Joe Biden’s first speech to Congress was subject to tight security. The US President declared a battle for human rights in China, and members of Congress reported a conversation with Vladimir Putin in which the Russian president warned of Moscow’s interference in the US elections, as well as cyber attacks on the government and companies.
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday paid more attention to China during his first Congressional address than any other foreign policy issue. The lawmakers called for the passage of a broad and multi-party legislative package aimed at putting pressure on Beijing over human rights violations.
The United States wants to pressure Beijing
Biden expressed his conviction that “the responsible US president cannot remain silent when human rights are violated.” He said that the United States intends to maintain “a strong military presence in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and Europe.” “Not to start a dispute, but to prevent it,” he explained.
The ongoing legislative package in the Senate also aims to address trade imbalances and increase US funding to develop new technologies. Joe Biden also said that in an interview with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he said that Washington is “ready to compete” but “does not want conflict.” At the same time, he intends to defend American interests.
US President Joe BidenMichael Reynolds / PAP / Environmental Protection Agency
“The actions of the Kremlin will have consequences.”
The president also mentioned another geopolitical competitor – Russia. – I told Vladimir Putin that we will not seek escalation, but the actions of the Kremlin will have consequences – Joe Biden stressed, referring to Moscow’s interference in the US elections, as well as cyber attacks on the government and companies.
He declared that he is ready to cooperate with Russia where there is “a common interest.”
Main Image Source: Michael Reynolds / PAP / Environmental Protection Agency
