Biden at UNGA: US to strengthen Indo-Pacific alliances, manage competition with China

In a clear signal to China, US President Joe Biden emphasised at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that Washington will continue to bolster its network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Biden stated that these efforts aim to responsibly manage competition with Beijing without veering into conflict, reports PTI.

“We must uphold our principles to manage competition with China responsibly,” Biden said, addressing the assembly. He highlighted the US’s commitment to pushing back against unfair economic practices, military coercion in the South China Sea, and maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.

He affirmed the US would continue to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that these partnerships are not aimed at any specific nation but are essential for a free, open, and peaceful region.

“At the same time, we’re going to continue to strengthen our network of alliances and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. These partnerships are not against any nation. There are building blocks for a free, open, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Biden’s remarks come just days after he hosted leaders of the Quad group – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan – in Wilmington, Delaware, for the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit.

The Quad reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific, opposing destabilising actions, and promoting regional security and prosperity.

The Wilmington declaration, which affirmed that the “Quad is here to stay,” highlighted that “four years after elevating the Quad to a leader-level format, the alliance is now more strategically aligned than ever and serves as a positive force that creates meaningful and lasting impacts in the Indo-Pacific.” It emphasised that the four prominent maritime democracies within the Quad are committed to maintaining peace and stability in this vital region, which is essential for global security and prosperity.

“We firmly oppose any destabilising or unilateral actions aimed at altering the status quo through force or coercion,” the declaration stated.

Biden also expressed that the United States is prepared to collaborate on “urgent challenges that benefit our citizens and people everywhere.” He noted that cooperation with China has recently resumed to combat the flow of dangerous synthetic narcotics, appreciating this partnership for its significance to his nation and many others around the globe.