[Correspondent Column] Why We Must Move Forward Together with the United States Awakening from Hibernation

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Recently, the reporter experienced firsthand how severe the aging of American bridges is in Trenton, the capital of New Jersey.

The road crossing the Delaware River in front of the state legislature building (the river flows all the way to Delaware, where President Joe Biden's residence is located) seemed barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass simultaneously. The bridge floor was made of metal through which the flowing river could be seen, not asphalt. While crossing the bridge, the car shook violently, and the hands gripping the steering wheel tensed up. After fully crossing the bridge, a sigh of relief was inevitable.

The problem of American social overhead capital is beyond imagination. The United States, known as the world's most advanced country, is suffering from a serious "cancer" of aging infrastructure. Unless experienced directly, one might question, "Is this really America?"

A representative example is the aforementioned bridges. The U.S. has many lakes and rivers. Bridges spanning these lakes and rivers often feel dangerous to cross.

The potholes scattered across national highways and local roads reveal the condition of the American road network. Locals have a "fixed notion" that no one knows when these potholes will be repaired.

The conditions of ports and railroads are no different. The 'Amtrak' railroad, which President Biden frequently used, appears so outdated that Korean passengers accustomed to high-speed trains find it incomprehensible. Ports, a key part of national logistics, are also criticized for struggling to handle cargo on time due to insufficient investment.

The communication situation is no better. Verizon, the largest U.S. telecom company, offers 5G speeds that are disappointing?comparable to Korea's 3G speeds. In rural America, it is common to find areas without even basic cell phone coverage or access to high-speed internet.

The America that rose to become a global superpower through past investments in social overhead capital no longer exists. The lack of investment in infrastructure looks pitiful compared to China, which is rapidly catching up.

The situation is even worse in regions where manufacturing has collapsed. The slums of the 'Rust Belt,' referring to the fallen manufacturing zones, were scenes beyond what the reporter witnessed in impoverished African countries.

The problems with American infrastructure are not limited to civil engineering. Even without mentioning COVID-19, it was an open secret that the U.S. healthcare policy was on the brink of collapse. Skyrocketing public university tuition has pushed young people into poverty.

After more than 500,000 deaths, the U.S. attempted to "lock the barn door after the horse is lost." No one stepped forward to improve this situation. This is why former President Donald Trump’s promise of a $1 trillion infrastructure investment immediately after his election was so unusual.

The "bell on the cat's neck" challenge that former President Trump attempted has now passed to President Joe Biden. Biden’s infrastructure investment plan, which amounts to $3 trillion, is a "temptation" that even Republican lawmakers find hard to oppose outright. They also know it could provoke strong backlash from their constituents. This time, the chances of success are high.

COVID-19 has awakened America from its long "hibernation." Infrastructure investment will enhance America’s competitiveness. As the U.S. talks about competition with China, it is renewing its determination. America has no intention of relinquishing its status as a top-tier nation.

We are being forced to choose between the U.S. and China. Deciding whom to align with is our responsibility.

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