Biden: "Need a Champion for Democracy"... $499.3 Billion Investment in Press Freedom and More

Opening of the First Democracy Summit
Seeking Democratic Nations' Solidarity to Counter China and Russia

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 9th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden held the first-ever Summit for Democracy and urged countries to make continuous efforts to strengthen and renew democracy, calling for unity against authoritarian regimes. He also announced a plan to support democracy development, including press freedom, with 424.4 million dollars (approximately 499.3 billion KRW).

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Although President Biden did not directly mention China and Russia, he emphasized that democratic countries must unite against authoritarian states and that democratic nations, including the U.S., need to address their own shortcomings.

In his opening remarks at the two-day virtual 'Summit for Democracy' starting on the 9th (local time), which invited about 110 governments, civil society, and private sector representatives including President Moon Jae-in, Biden said, "Democracy worldwide faces worrying challenges. Democracy needs champions."

He stated, "Democracy is not something that is obtained by chance," pointing out that "this is an urgent issue as various indicators are pointing in the wrong direction."

He continued, "According to recent reports, half of democratic countries, including the U.S., have experienced democratic backsliding over the past decade," adding, "This is worsening amid a more complex and global challenge that requires collective effort."

President Biden particularly noted, "External autocrats seek to expand their influence worldwide to increase their power and justify repressive policies," directly alluding to China and Russia.

He stressed that democratic countries must uphold justice, the rule of law, freedoms of assembly, press, and religion, and respect for individual human rights.

Recalling democratic leaders such as Gandhi and Mandela, Biden mentioned that democracy is not a state but an action, and even if individual countries do not have all the answers, shared commitment strengthens democracy and defeats dictatorship.

President Biden also pledged that the U.S. would invest 424.4 million dollars (approximately 499.3 billion KRW) to promote global democracy development.

This funding will be used for free and independent media activities, anti-corruption efforts, democratic reforms, technological support for democracy, and support for free and fair elections.

◇Effectively Checking China and Russia=The Summit for Democracy spans two days. Biden’s opening speech was watched via video by leaders from about 80 countries including South Korea, France, India, and Japan.

Biden had promised to hold the Summit for Democracy during his presidential campaign last year and has now put it into practice. Various measures for democracy development were explored through sessions involving not only heads of state but also individuals.

The U.S. stated that the summit was not aimed at specific countries such as China, Russia, or Hungary, which was not invited, but the reality is different.

Before the summit, the U.S. announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Two days before the summit, President Biden held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding a halt to Russia’s military pressure on Ukraine.

President Biden also revealed this perception. In his opening speech, he pledged a leading role for the U.S. and emphasized cooperation with allies and partners.

He said, "External autocrats seek to expand their influence worldwide to increase their power and justify repressive policies." Although he did not name countries, this was interpreted as targeting China and Russia.

This summit will not end with the first session. The U.S. plans to hold a second summit next year to review the fulfillment of commitments by participating countries. The format of next year’s summit may depend on the COVID-19 situation but is likely to be an in-person meeting.

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