"Need to uphold our principles as we seek to responsibly manage competition with China": US President Biden at UNGA

In his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Biden said, "We also need to uphold our principles as we seek to responsibly manage the competition with China so it does not veer into conflict. We stand ready to cooperate on urgent challenges for the good of our people and the people everywhere."

Biden spoke about resuming cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics. He stated that the US is pushing back against "unfair economic competition" and military coercion of other nations.

"We recently resumed cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics. I appreciate the collaboration, it matters for the people in my country, and many others around the world," the US President said.

"On matters of conviction, the United States is unabashed pushing back against unfair economic competition, against military coercion of other nations and in the South China Sea and maintaining peace and stability across Taiwan Strait and protecting our most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against us or any of our partners," he added.

Expressing commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, Biden stated, "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. They are building blocks for a free open secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific."

Biden's remarks come just days after he hosted the Quad Leaders Summit in his hometown, Delaware. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and US President Biden attended the fourth in-person and sixth overall Quad Leaders' Summit.

In his remarks at the UNGA, Biden also called for expanding the membership of the United Nations Security Council. He stressed that the world needs more "stronger, effective and inclusive" United Nations.

He said, "I want to get things done together. In order to do that, we must have more stronger, more effective and more inclusive United Nations. UN needs to adopt and bring new voices and new perspectives. That's why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the UN Security Council."

As he wrapped up his address, Biden reflected on his decision not to seek a second term in office. "We must never forget who we're here to represent," Biden said. "We, the people. These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America, and they inspired the opening words of our UN Charter. I've made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency."

He said, "This summer, I faced a decision whether to seek a second term as president. It was a difficult decision. Being president has been the honor of my life. There's so much more I want to get done. But as much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided after 50 years of public service, it's time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power."

Biden also called on countries to combine their forces against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing global concerns about China's influence.

"I truly believe we're at another inflection point in world history. The choices we make today will determine our future," Biden said. (ANI)