Thread by @neilthomas123

What did Joe Biden say about China in his Joint Address to Congress?

"We’re in a competition with China and other countries to win the 21st Century."

Strategic competition with China further confirmed as a key theme in political arguments for an ambitious domestic agenda. (1/9)

Followed by special focus on competition in technology, innovation & R&D investment, where:

"China and other countries are closing in fast"

Then nod to importance of cooperation on climate change:

"I kept my commitment to convene a climate summit..." [inc w/] China.." (2/9)

Biden foregrounds China after introducing his goal to "advance a foreign policy that benefits the middle class":

"That means making sure every nation plays by the same rules in the global economy, including China."

Could be a big theme of his ongoing China policy review (3/9)

Biden talked US-China directly (sunny compared to Alaska!):

"In my discussion with President Xi, I told him that we welcome the competition – and that we are not looking for conflict."

"But I made absolutely clear that I will defend American interests across the board." (4/9)

Special focus on combatting Chinese state capitalism & IP theft:

"America will stand up to unfair trade practices that undercut American workers and industries, like subsidies for state-owned enterprises and the theft of American technologies and intellectual property." (5/9)

Biden signals continued security focus on Indo-Pacific, though no mention of force increases:

"I also told President Xi that we will maintain a strong military presence in the Indo—Pacific just as we do with NATO in Europe–not to start conflict–but to prevent conflict." (6/9)

Biden on human rights:

"And, I told him [Xi] what I’ve said to many world leaders – that America won’t back away from our commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms."

"No responsible American president can remain silent when basic human rights are violated." (7/9)

Biden paints strong voice on human rights in China as part of national identity:

"A president has to represent the essence of our country."

"America is an idea – unique in the world."

"We are all created equal. It’s who we are. We cannot walk away from that principle." (8/9)

Quotes from official text, although there were slight differences of wording in delivery (9/9)

whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…

More on China competition:

"Can our democracy deliver on the most pressing needs of our people?..

America’s adversaries–the autocrats of the world–are betting it can’t.

They believe we are too full of anger and division and rage..

We have to prove democracy still works."

And:

"For me, when I think about climate change, I think jobs...

There’s no reason the blades for wind turbines can’t be built in Pittsburgh instead of Beijing.

No reason why American workers can’t lead the world in the production of electric vehicles and batteries."