During a closely watched meeting on Wednesday, President Joe Biden told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the United States has every right to be present in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden shared this information with more than 1,000 business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. He highlighted the significance of the Pacific to the US, emphasizing their role in fostering peace and security in the region, which has facilitated economic growth.
President Biden briefly discussed the topic of US involvement in the Pacific during his meeting with President Xi Jinping. When queried about the reasons behind the US’s intense engagement in the region, Biden responded by stating the United States’ identity as a Pacific nation. He explained that their presence has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security, enabling countries in the region to prosper. Importantly, President Xi did not contest this point.
Biden characterized the meeting as productive, as it provided a platform for the leaders to address ongoing bilateral tensions. The face-to-face discussion between Biden and Xi came after months of growing tensions between the two nations. The President’s statement about the US’s right to be in the Indo-Pacific region served to affirm their commitment and intentions in the region.
The United States’ engagement in the Indo-Pacific is grounded in its geographical location and its recognition as a Pacific nation. The region holds immense strategic importance as it is home to some of the world’s largest economies and is marked by an increasing focus on trade, security, and geostrategic competition. The US’s presence has been crucial in maintaining peace, stability, and economic growth in the region, benefitting all nations involved.
President Biden’s affirmation of the US’s right to be in the Indo-Pacific region at the APEC CEO Summit represents a strong commitment towards fostering peace and security in the region. By highlighting the role of the United States in enabling economic growth, he emphasized the positive impact of their presence. The productive meeting between Biden and Xi Jinping offered an opportunity to address tensions and reinforce the United States’ steadfast participation in the Indo-Pacific.
