WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – US President Joe Biden has asked China to comply with international standards and obligations. The US government is not looking for a conflict with China, but there will be “tough competition”, Biden announced on Thursday at his first formal press conference in the White House. The government will endeavor to strengthen relations with its democratic allies in order to face China as one.
China wants to become the most powerful and wealthiest country in the world, said Biden. “That won’t happen during my term in office,” he stressed. “The United States continues to grow and get richer.”
China must adhere to internationally valid rules in foreign policy and trade, Biden demanded. Regarding China’s drive to expand in the Indo-Pacific region and the aggressive policy towards Taiwan, which Beijing claims to be part of China, Biden said, “We will hold China accountable for them to abide by the rules.” Biden also stressed that under his leadership, the US would stand up for freedom, democracy and human rights. As long as China continues to “blatantly violate human rights,” the US would address this to the world, he said.
Under Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump, the relationship between the United States and China had fallen to the lowest point since diplomatic relations began in 1979. Biden is now on a slightly less aggressive tone – but leaves no doubt that China is seen as a rival.
The US government has also criticized China for violating the human rights of the Hong Kong metropolis and treating the Uighur ethnic minority in Xinjiang. China rejects this as interference in internal affairs. / Jbz / DP / he
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