This statement comes amidst escalating tensions between the US and China on various fronts, including trade, security, and human rights.
Biden addressed the media in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he highlighted that while he does not aim to contain China, he is concerned about Beijing's changing approach to international relations. He remarked, "Beijing is beginning to change some of the rules of the game."
In a bid to foster stability, Biden met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the G20 summit held in India. Their discussion was described as non-confrontational, with a focus on stability. Biden further elaborated on his meeting in Hanoi, stating, "We talked about stability... it wasn't confrontational at all."
During his visit, Biden also secured a cooperation agreement with Vietnam, which many analysts believe is aimed at counteracting Beijing's growing influence in the region. The US President also touched upon China's current economic challenges, attributing them to various factors, including global growth dynamics and China's own policies.
He expressed his belief that these economic challenges would not prompt China to invade Taiwan. On the contrary, he felt that China might not possess the same capacity as before.
Addressing the technological race between the two superpowers, Biden emphasized that the US would not provide China with materials that could enhance their nuclear capabilities or support defense activities that might destabilize the region. He stated, "I’m not going to sell China material that would increase their capacity to make more nuclear weapons or engage in defense activities that are contrary to what most people think is a positive development in the region."
Furthermore, during Biden's Vietnam visit, Jon Finer, the US Deputy National Security Advisor, revealed that both nations are expected to announce a new collaboration in the semiconductor sector. They also plan to engage in detailed discussions about the supply of rare earth minerals, essential for manufacturing high-tech devices like smartphones and electric car batteries.
