Blinken's First Briefing: "Concerns Over US-China Relations Are Significant but Cooperation Is Necessary"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken emphasized the necessity of cooperation, calling the relationship with China the most important in the world, and expressed deep concern over Russia regarding the Navalny case on the 27th (local time).

At his first press briefing since taking office, Secretary Blinken said, "The United States views the U.S.-China relationship as the most important relationship in the world, and that relationship includes hostile and competitive aspects." He added, "Despite the concerns the U.S. has about China, cooperating with China on issues like climate cooperation is in the U.S. interest."

However, he stated that the judgment on human rights issues against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang remains valid, suggesting that U.S.-China conflicts could extend beyond trade and economics to human rights issues.

His predecessor, former Secretary Mike Pompeo, launched fierce attacks until his departure, claiming China's policy toward the Uyghurs amounted to genocide, and Secretary Blinken also expressed agreement during his Senate confirmation hearing.

He also mentioned that the U.S. is reviewing response measures toward Russia, which is detaining Vladimir Putin's political opponent Alexei Navalny and is suspected of interfering in U.S. elections.

Regarding the Navalny case, detained by Russian authorities, he said, "We are deeply concerned," and did not rule out specific response measures.

He said, "We are deeply concerned about Navalny's safety, and the key point is that his voice represents the voices of many Russians," adding, "(Russian authorities) should not gag him but listen to that voice."

Furthermore, he said that response measures are also being reviewed regarding various suspicions surrounding Russia, including the SolarWinds hacking attack by an IT company, bounties placed for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and interference in U.S. elections.

Regarding the Iran issue, Secretary Blinken stated that the U.S. will return to the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) between the West and Iran when Iran fulfills its commitments.

This agreement was reached under the Obama administration but was withdrawn from by former President Donald Trump.

Secretary Blinken added, "President Biden has clearly stated that if Iran fully complies with its obligations under the JCPOA, the U.S. will do the same."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.