President Joe Biden
downplayed speculation he is escalating his criticism of China, sometimes disadvantaging allies such as
South Korea
, for domestic politics before next year’s election.
“My desire to increase U.S. manufacturing and jobs in America is not about China. I’m not concerned about China. Remember, America invented the semiconductor,” Biden said Wednesday during a joint press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of protectionist legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act.
BIDEN’S 2024 ‘FREEDOM’ CAMPAIGN A REDUX OF 2020 WITH OR WITHOUT TRUMP
Complementing economic, technological, and cultural commitments, Biden and Yoon signed the Washington Declaration regarding nuclear coordination during the state visit after increased “provocations” from
North Korea
, according to senior administration officials. The pair’s plans incorporate the first “visit” of
a nuclear ballistic missile submarine
to South Korea since the 1980s. The deal also underscores the need for more joint training programs and the better integration of South Korean defense capabilities into the broader joint strategic deterrence strategy.
“Our mutual defense treaty is ironclad,” Biden said. “At the same time, we continue to seek serious and substantial diplomatic breakthrough with the DPRK [to] reduce the threat of proliferation and address our humanitarian and human rights concerns for the people of DPRK.”
Biden’s second state visit encompasses a series of meetings and a state dinner at the
White House
Wednesday before Yoon addresses
Congress
on Thursday.
“Today, I’m proud to say, Mr. President, that I think our partnership is ready to take on any challenges,” Biden told Yoon earlier in the Oval Office, referring to their “shared commitment to stand with
Ukraine
and defend its democracy against
Russia
‘s assault.”
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Some of the classified documents disclosed as part of the Discord leak concern
Central Intelligence Agency
intercepts of Yoon’s government discussing whether South Korea should provide the United States with artillery shells for Ukraine, violating Seoul’s lethal aid policy.
