Biden: US seeks to stop China's 'aggression, intimidation'
US President Joe Biden has delivered the usual double-talk, telling China that Washington seeks to stop Beijing's "aggression and intimidation" while working with the Asian power.
Addressing world leaders at the opening of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Biden said, "When it comes to China, I want to be clear .... We seek to responsibly manage the competition between our countries so it does not tip into conflict."
The 80-year leader claimed he would reverse Beijing’s growing influence by pushing back "on aggression and intimidation" but "also stand ready to work together with China."
“We will push back on aggression and intimidation to defend the rules of the road, from freedom of navigation to overflight to level economic playing field, and it helps safeguard security and prosperity for decades ... we also stand ready to work together with China on issues where progress hinges on our common interests.”
“I have said we are for de-risking, not decoupling with China," Biden added, warning he would enforce US hegemony whenever and wherever it's needed.
Biden’s double-talk comments come as he signed an executive order on Wednesday that would restrict US investment in some high-tech industries in China.
China's progress in these areas constitutes "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States" and certain US investments "risk exacerbating this threat," the order said.
US House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said he was pleased to see the restrictions, but suggested more "aggressive action" against Beijing.
However, Biden administration officials have stressed that the US has taken targeted actions against Beijing in recent months, also emphasizing that they've continued to impose sanctions on Chinese organizations as well as operate military aircraft and naval ships in Chinese territorial waters.
Biden has also made blatant efforts in Southeast Asia to lure Beijing’s traditional allies into the Western sphere by promises of economic prosperity.
ME
