Blinken's First Briefing: "US-China Relations Are the Most Important Issue" (Comprehensive)

Emphasizing Climate Issue Cooperation While Securing Practical Benefits...Firm Stance on Security and Human Rights

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[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken held his first press briefing since taking office on the 27th (local time) and said, "The relationship with China is the most important relationship in the world, and we will cooperate especially in the area of climate change."

He stated, "(The relationship with China) has both competitive and cooperative aspects," emphasizing, "Despite the concerns the U.S. has about China, cooperating with China on issues like climate cooperation is in the U.S. interest." He also expressed a conciliatory attitude, saying, "Making concrete progress in combating global warming aligns with the interests of the U.S., China, and countries around the world," and "We hope to pursue this."

◆ "Competing and cooperating with China" = These remarks suggest that the Biden administration will pursue a dual strategy of toughness and engagement toward China, which is experiencing serious conflicts due to trade disputes, by taking a hardline stance in specific areas such as security and human rights while securing practical benefits through cooperation on climate change. The Biden administration is expected to continue the pressure strategy on China in the areas of human rights and security, similar to the Trump administration.

Secretary Blinken expressed a tough stance, saying, "The judgment regarding human rights issues against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang remains valid." His predecessor, former Secretary Mike Pompeo, launched fierce attacks until his departure, stating that China’s policy toward the Uyghurs amounted to genocide, and Blinken also expressed agreement during his Senate confirmation hearing.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also said at the briefing that "telecommunications equipment made by untrusted suppliers such as China’s Huawei poses a threat to the security of the U.S. and its allies." She added, "We will ensure that U.S. communication networks do not use equipment from untrusted suppliers and will cooperate with allies to protect networks."

She further stated that a strong and clear investigation into the theory that COVID-19 originated in China is desired. At the press briefing, Psaki said, "We must get to the bottom of how the COVID-19 virus appeared and spread worldwide." This clearly affirms the 'COVID-19 pandemic China origin theory,' indicating that the conflict between the U.S. and China over the initial outbreak location of COVID-19 is likely to continue under the Biden administration.

◆ "Deep concern for Navalny’s safety" = Secretary Blinken mentioned that he is reviewing responses to 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 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."

In addition to the Navalny case, he said that they are reviewing responses to various allegations surrounding Russia, including the SolarWinds hacking attack, bounties placed for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and election interference. 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.

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