Strong warning to China
Biden: The world is at a tipping point
2/8/2023 4:59 am
US President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address in Washington. In it he sends a clear message to Beijing. He assured Ukraine of further support. The democrat promises that he will also strengthen the domestic economy.
US President Joe Biden has called on Americans for courage and determination amid global upheaval. The world is at a turning point, “one of those moments that few generations experience, where the direction we take now will determine the course of this nation and the world for decades to come,” Biden said on Tuesday evening (local time). his State of the Union address to both chambers of the US Congress. The Americans are not powerless in the face of this, but have it in their own hands to shape this moment.
“We have to be the nation we have always been at our best: optimistic, hopeful, forward-looking,” Biden said. “A nation of light over darkness, hope over fear, unity over division, stability over chaos.” The soul of the nation is strong, the backbone of the nation is strong, the people of the nation are strong – therefore the country is in strong condition.
“If China threatens our sovereignty, we will act”
Biden sent a clear warning to the leadership in Beijing after the downing of a Chinese surveillance balloon over US territory. “If China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country, and we have done so,” Biden said in his speech. But he was determined to work with China where American interests could be promoted for the good of the world. In the past, he made it clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US was looking for competition, not conflict.
Biden once again promised Ukraine long-term support. “We will stand by you as long as it is necessary.” The “brutal” attack on Ukraine ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin has put America and the world to the test. America and its partners stand up for democracy and fundamental values. The United States led the international response to Russia’s war. “We united NATO and formed a global coalition. We opposed Putin’s aggression. We stood with the Ukrainian people,” Biden said. And the United States will continue to do so.
Biden praised the robust US economy and low unemployment of 3.4 percent as his government’s achievements. “We’ve already created 800,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs, the fastest growth in 40 years,” Biden said. “I mean, across the country, not just along the coast, but right across the country.” Inflation caused by the pandemic and the Ukraine war is still a big problem, but fuel and food prices are now falling again in the USA. “We are currently in a better position than any other country in the world.”
Biden wants to focus more on US products
The domestic industry wants to support Biden even more in the future and rely on the principle “Made in America”. “We’re going to make sure the supply chain for America starts in America. The supply chain starts in America,” Biden said. He was criticized for relying on American products. But he will not apologize for it, emphasized the Democrat. “This is fully in line with international trade rules.”
Specifically, Biden announced that building materials for federally funded infrastructure projects would have to be manufactured in America. This involves copper, aluminum, fiber optic cable, lumber and drywall. “Under my supervision, American roads, bridges and highways will be built with American products,” Biden said.
Domestically, Biden criticized the Republicans’ socio-political course in his speech. Instead of letting the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes, some Republicans want to review health insurance and Social Security benefits every few years. However, the Democrat promised that he would not allow social security to be cut. He will veto any moves in this direction. “These achievements belong to the American people,” he said. “You deserve it.”
Some Republicans reacted to Biden’s statements at this point with heckling. Biden defended himself, saying some Republicans actually suggested those things. Just out of politeness he doesn’t mention their names.
“Ban these assault rifles”
At the same time, Biden called on Republicans to agree to an increase in the debt ceiling. “Some of my Republican friends want to hold the economy hostage unless I agree with their economic plans,” Biden said. He pointed out that Congress had also raised the debt ceiling during the tenure of his Republican predecessor Donald Trump, thus preventing an “economic catastrophe”. “I urge Congress to follow suit.” He will not accept cuts in social programs in negotiations on the issue.
In the fight against rampant gun violence, Biden called for a ban on assault rifles. Like almost 30 years ago, there must be a law to abolish automatic weapons. At that time, the regulation finally expired, after which the number of deaths from massacres tripled. “Let’s finish the job, ban those assault rifles!” Biden shouted.