Biden: "Oppose Strong Nations Dominating Weak Nations... Do Not Want a New Cold War"

First UN Speech Includes Remarks Targeting China
Confirms Diplomatic Efforts for Korean Peninsula Denuclearization
Global COVID-19 Vaccination Support Plan to Be Announced Tomorrow

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden, in his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly on the 21st (local time), claimed that American diplomacy has entered a new era while checking China. President Biden expressed his hope to resume diplomacy with North Korea, stating that he seeks serious and sustained diplomacy for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

President Biden delivered the second speech in the general debate of the UN General Assembly following the Brazilian president. In his 34-minute speech, President Biden focused on controversies over the withdrawal from Afghanistan, efforts to expand influence in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China, vaccine diplomacy, and responses to climate change.

Regarding the Afghanistan situation, President Biden said, "For the first time in 20 years, I am giving a UN speech in a situation without war. We are turning a page in history," and defended his withdrawal decision by stating, "The era of persistent diplomacy has begun."

President Biden continued, "Military force is a last resort, and we will only engage in clear and achievable military missions overseas," adding, "We will lead not by the example of power but by the example of our faith."

President Biden said, "Instead of continuing to fight past wars, we must devote resources to challenges that hold the keys to the future," citing the end of the COVID-19 crisis, climate change response, and changes in international dynamics as targets for response. Trade, cybersecurity, new technologies, and terrorism were also identified as areas to address.

To this end, he said, "The United States must be deeply engaged with the world and work with partner countries for a shared future."

President Biden stated, "The United States will compete fiercely and continue to compete," and added, "We oppose attempts by strong nations to dominate weaker nations."

However, President Biden clarified, "We are not seeking a new Cold War. The United States is ready to cooperate with any country that pursues peaceful solutions to common challenges, even if there are intense disagreements in other areas."

President Biden claimed that since his inauguration, U.S. foreign policy has prioritized "rebuilding our alliances, revitalizing our partnerships, and recognizing what is essential and central to America's ongoing security and prosperity."

He avoided specific comments on the conflict between European countries and the U.S. caused by the recently launched security alliance among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, known as AUKUS.

President Biden emphasized the need for cooperation in facing unprecedented global challenges and stated that multilateral organizations would be utilized to address challenges, including those in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Biden asserted, "Democracy remains the best tool for unleashing human potential."

U.S. media evaluated that although President Biden did not explicitly mention China in his speech, his remarks were effectively aimed at China.

While mentioning the nuclear deal with Iran, President Biden reaffirmed his stance on pursuing diplomatic dialogue with North Korea.

President Biden said, "If Iran fully complies with the nuclear deal, the United States is prepared to do the same. The U.S. is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

He added, "Similarly, we seek serious and sustained diplomacy to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

President Biden stated, "We pursue concrete progress toward feasible plans," mentioning the need for practical commitments that can enhance stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region and improve the lives of North Korean people.

His remarks reaffirmed the U.S. government's policy of pursuing diplomacy for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

In his speech, President Biden refrained from mentioning North Korea's ballistic missile launches that violated UN sanctions, avoiding provoking North Korea.

President Biden said, "The United States has already invested $15 billion for global COVID-19 vaccinations," and previewed that he would announce additional commitments to support worldwide vaccination efforts at the COVID-19 summit scheduled for the following day.

Regarding the climate crisis response, he urged, "The world must collectively raise its goals," and called on the U.S. Congress to double funding targets to support raising $100 billion in global climate change response funds. Earlier, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders pledged to provide $100 billion annually in international climate finance to developing countries.

President Biden said, "We must all support the rights of women and girls to fully realize their talents."

He emphasized the protection of LGBTQ rights, stating, "The future belongs to those who embrace human dignity."

At the end of his speech, President Biden stressed, "We will choose a better future. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no more time to waste. Let us act immediately."

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