Washington: Amid rising tension with China over suspected spy balloons, US President Joe Biden said action would be taken in self-defense if China poses a threat to US sovereignty. “I am committed to working with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world,” Biden said in his State of the Union address Tuesday night. . Leave no doubt though, we made it clear last week that if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to defend our country.”
The US military shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week. Reacting strongly to the action, China said on Tuesday that it will “resolutely uphold its legitimate rights and interests” in the matter. The United States has accused China of violating US sovereignty and international law. Biden’s statement this time revolved around “unity.” He said that autocracy has diminished in his two years in office.
The scenario this time during the annual address was different from the past two years, as Republicans won a majority in the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. “The United States is bringing the world together again to address challenges ranging from climate and global health to food insecurity, terrorism and regional aggression,” the president said. “The allies are stepping up, taking more action,” he said. Bridges are being built between partners in the Pacific and the Atlantic. The people who go against the United States are realizing how wrong they are. It is never right to go against the United States.
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Biden mentioned China several times in his speech. He said that before he became president, the story was about China increasing its power and the United States falling behind in the world. “Not anymore,” Biden said to thunderous applause. I have made it clear to President Xi (Xinfing) that we want competition, not conflict.” “I have no regrets that we are investing to make America stronger,” he said. American innovation invests in industries that will define the future and where the Chinese government seeks to dominate. Invest in our alliances and work with our allies to protect our advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us.” (agency)