During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit on Thursday, President Joe Biden reaffirmed that the United States is a “Pacific power” and will continue to play a significant role in the future of the region. “We aren’t going anywhere,” President Biden assured business leaders at the APEC summit in San Francisco. He emphasized that Washington’s commitment to the region has been crucial in fostering transformative growth, ensuring the open flow of commerce, and lifting millions of people out of poverty.
President Biden also mentioned that in his meeting with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping, he explained why the United States is deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific region, stating that “It’s because we’re a Pacific nation. And because of us, there’s been peace and security in the region, allowing you to grow.”
Moreover, the president emphasized the United States’ vital role in the future of the region, as well as the region’s increasing importance to the United States. He highlighted that more than 60 percent of U.S. exports go to APEC economies and that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the largest contributor to global growth in the next three decades.
President Biden also addressed the relationship between the United States and communist China, stating that the United States is seeking to stabilize its economic ties with China by derisking and diversifying its relationship with the country. He emphasized the need to maintain “a stable relationship” while also addressing the economic and intellectual property issues between the two nations. Tensions between China and the United States have risen due to disputes over various issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, trade, security, and technology.
Despite the tensions, the Biden administration has sought to stabilize relations with China, including President Biden’s discussions with Mr. Xi on the sidelines of the APEC summit. During their meeting, important issues were raised, such as U.S. citizens barred from leaving China, human rights, and peace and stability around the Taiwan Strait. However, President Biden once more referred to Mr. Xi as “a dictator” at a news conference after their meeting, citing the differences in their countries’ forms of government.
In conclusion, President Biden’s reaffirmation of the United States’ role as a “Pacific power” and his discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping underscore the importance of U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and its efforts to manage and stabilize relations with communist China.