[The stream is slated to start at 10 a.m. ET. Please refresh if you do not see a player above at that time.]
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday described China as “the most serious long-term challenger to the international order,” even as the world grapples with Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“China is the only country intent on reshaping the international order – and increasingly has the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to do so,” Blinken is expected to say in a statement. a speech at George Washington University, according to excerpts released by the State Department.
“Beijing’s vision will take us away from the universal values that have sustained so much of the world’s progress over the past 75 years,” said Blinken.
The speech, which will highlight the Biden administration’s policy towards China, comes as the United States warns Beijing not to help Moscow waive global sanctions over the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. It also follows a Biden management attempt to see his comment again that the US was willing to use its military to defend Taiwan, which angered Beijing.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the media after a meeting on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 23, 2021.
Eduardo Munoz | AFP | beautiful pictures
The top US diplomat is expected to acknowledge that the US and China will have a pivotal role in the global economy and the fight against climate change in one of the “complicated and complex relationships”. most consequential” that the United States has with any country. Since the world’s two largest economies will have to deal with each other “in the near future”, the US wants to avoid “conflict or a new Cold War”, he is prepared to say.
“We do not seek to prevent China from acting as a great power, nor do we prevent China – or any other country – from developing its economy or promoting the interests of its people,” Blinken said.
Tensions between Beijing and Washington spiked during the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump has blamed China for a series of complaints, including intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices and coronavirus pandemic.
President Joe Biden has previously said his administration is ready for “intense competition” with China but that His approach will be different from his predecessor. He also places greater emphasis on working more closely with allies to push back against China — rather than taking steps to counter Beijing alone.
“We will confront China’s economic abuses” Biden said during his first visit to the State Department in February. “But we are also willing to work with Beijing when it is in the US’s interest,” he added.
The president also said that in his political career, he has spent more time with China’s Xi Jinping than any other world leader.
