Blinken: "China's Claims of US Decline Must Be Quelled by Domestic Investment"... Emphasizes Infrastructure Investment

"China's Infrastructure Investment Scale Over 3 Times Larger Than the US"
Controversy Continues Over Massive Infrastructure Investment Bill in US Senate

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken has called for substantial domestic investment to maintain an advantage in competition with hostile forces such as China. His remarks are interpreted as an effort to support the passage of the Biden administration's infrastructure investment bill amid ongoing controversy in the U.S. Congress.

On the 9th (local time), Secretary Blinken, speaking at the University of Maryland Engineering Research Institute, said, "China and Russia claim that the U.S. is in decline and argue that their authoritarian vision is better than our democracy," adding, "To quickly dispel these plausible claims that America's heyday is over, the U.S. needs significant investment for domestic revitalization right now."

Secretary Blinken pointed out, "According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the U.S. ranks only 13th in infrastructure," and noted, "China spends three times more in related sectors." He continued, "The U.S. has always wanted to represent opportunity, potential, and achievement. Investment in domestic revitalization means that we can continue to be a beacon to the world."

Secretary Blinken's remarks came amid ongoing controversy over the Senate passage of the Biden administration's massive $1.2 trillion (approximately 1,375 trillion won) infrastructure budget bill. As cautious prospects for the bill's Senate approval emerge, his comments are seen as an effort to bolster support. The bill includes building and improving basic infrastructure nationwide, such as water supply systems, high-speed internet, bridges and roads, and electric vehicle networks.

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