What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok. The meeting aimed to follow up on the Woodside Summit between Presidents Biden and Xi, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication and responsibly managing competition. Sullivan stressed the need to prevent the competition from escalating into conflict. Discussions covered cooperation areas outlined at Woodside, progress in military communication, plans for a U.S.-China dialogue on AI, and collaboration on counternarcotics. They also delved into global and regional issues, including Russia's war against Ukraine, the Middle East, DPRK, the South China Sea, and Burma. Cross-Strait matters were discussed, with Sullivan emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Both sides committed to maintaining strategic communication channels and exploring additional high-level diplomacy, including a call between Presidents Biden and Xi.
A background press call, conducted via teleconference by the National Security Council, focused on the meeting between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussion, which took place in Bangkok over two days, was part of ongoing strategic communication channels between the U.S. and China. The call, led by a senior administration official, covered several key topics:
Strategic Communication: The meeting between Sullivan and Wang Yi was part of a series of discussions aimed at managing competition and tensions responsibly. This meeting built on previous engagements, including the Biden-Xi summit in California in November 2023.
Military and Security Issues: Progress on military-to-military communication, including virtual meetings and policy coordination talks, was highlighted. The two sides also planned to launch a working group on counternarcotics and discuss AI safety and risks.
Trade and Economic Policies: Sullivan expressed concerns about China's unfair trade practices and the use of U.S. technologies in ways that could undermine national security. The U.S. approach focused on a narrow range of advanced technologies with potential military implications.
Global and Regional Security Topics: The conversation covered various issues, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East, DPRK (North Korea), the South China Sea, and the situation in Burma.
Taiwan and Cross-Strait Issues: The U.S. commitment to the One China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and related agreements, was reiterated. Sullivan emphasized opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo and the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.
Future Diplomatic Engagements: Additional high-level diplomacy between the U.S. and China was planned, including a potential phone call between President Biden and President Xi Jinping.
Specific Concerns: Sullivan raised issues where the U.S. and China differed, including China’s role in addressing Iran's support for the Houthis and the impact on regional stability.
The call also included questions from various media representatives, seeking further clarification on topics like the timeline for the Biden-Xi call, China's role in influencing Iran and North Korea, and the specifics of the U.S.-China cooperation on counternarcotics. The senior administration official emphasized the importance of continuous engagement and cooperation on these critical issues.
Vice President Harris spoke at The Chef Jeff Project in Las Vegas, Nevada, emphasizing the importance of small businesses, entrepreneurship, and the principle of redemption. She acknowledged the work of Chef Jeff in investing in the community and helping individuals realize their potential. Harris highlighted her belief in giving people, especially those who have made mistakes and faced accountability, the chance to reintegrate and contribute positively to society.
Reflecting on her experience as District Attorney in San Francisco, she mentioned initiating one of the first reentry programs in the country, aimed at helping people develop skills and achieve their dreams. She stressed the need for societal and systemic support to provide meaningful access to opportunities for all.
A significant part of her announcement was the change in policy allowing millions of Americans with criminal records to receive small business loans. Previously, these individuals were ineligible for Small Business Administration loans, which average about $40 billion a year. This change is intended to remove barriers for those who have served their time and are seeking to reintegrate into society.
Vice President Harris thanked Administrator Guzman for her role in implementing this policy and Congressman Steven Horsford for his lifelong commitment and partnership in these efforts. She concluded by reaffirming the need for equal access to opportunities for all Americans and the importance of removing obstacles that hinder this goal.
President Biden issued a statement expressing grief and condemnation following an unmanned aerial drone attack near the Syria border in northeast Jordan, where three U.S. service members were killed and many others wounded. The President attributed the attack to radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. He emphasized the bravery, duty, and commitment of the fallen service members, pledging to continue the fight against terrorism and hold those responsible for the attack accountable. President Biden assured that the nation would honor the sacrifice of the service members and support their families.
President Biden addressed a political gathering in Columbia, South Carolina, where he reflected on his personal ties and political backing in the state. He paid tribute to late friends Fritz and Peatsy Hollings and Emily Clyburn, giving credit to Jim Clyburn for his crucial endorsement during the presidential campaign. Expressing appreciation for South Carolina Democrats, he attributed his election and Vice President Kamala Harris's historic role to their unwavering support.
Delving into a critique of Donald Trump's presidency, President Biden highlighted the hurdles inherited, including the pandemic, economic upheaval, and the Capitol insurrection. He underscored his administration's initiatives in job creation, pandemic response, economic aid for families, and support for Black-owned small businesses. According to him, these actions played a role in reducing Black child poverty and fostering business growth.
The President addressed the issue of inflation, acknowledging its decrease while admonishing corporations for practices like price gouging. He proudly touted economic growth surpassing that of Trump's tenure, citing a manufacturing surge, job generation, and decreased unemployment, especially in the Black community. Drawing a contrast, he pointed out his administration's success in reducing the federal deficit, countering Trump's tax cuts that primarily benefited the wealthy.
President Biden delved into promises fulfilled during his term, spotlighting accomplishments such as lowering prescription drug prices, capping out-of-pocket expenses for seniors, safeguarding and expanding the Affordable Care Act, addressing student debt relief, and making record investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Emphasizing his dedication to diversity in his administration, Biden highlighted historic appointments, including the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court, and surpassing previous records by appointing more Black women to federal circuit courts.
The President touched on veterans' care efforts and condemned Trump's comments about fallen soldiers. Discussing economic confidence, he criticized Trump's desire for an economic downturn.
He outlined a proposed bipartisan border security bill that would include increased resources for the Border Patrol, immigration judges, asylum officers, and inspection machines. Looking ahead optimistically, Biden detailed ongoing infrastructure projects, gun safety legislation, and plans to safeguard Social Security and reproductive rights.
In his concluding remarks, the President cautioned against divisive forces in the country, referencing Trump's claims of election fraud as a "Big Lie." He stressed the crucial values of truth, honesty, decency, and equality in America.
President Biden delivered remarks at a second political event in Columbia, SC, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and sharing personal anecdotes. He emphasized the importance of faith, referencing his experiences attending both Catholic and AME church services. Biden highlighted the enduring American promise rooted in the idea that all people are created equal, acknowledging the challenges of living up to this ideal. The President also reflected on the power of faith, particularly within the Black Church, in overcoming hardships and striving for justice. He expressed appreciation for prayers and concluded by sharing a hymn-inspired wish for the audience.
The President gave remarks at a third campaign stop in West Columbia, SC. He began his speech by expressing his appreciation for the support he received, notably acknowledging the historic presence of the Divine Nine's office in the White House. He extended his gratitude to individuals like Rev. Robin and Congressman Jim Clyburn, crediting them for their significant roles in his campaign's success.
President Biden reflected on the nation's current challenges, particularly the need to heal and unite America. He cited the Charlottesville events as a pivotal motivation for his 2020 presidential run, underscoring the urgency to address racial divisions and extremism.
Emphasizing America's uniqueness as a nation founded on an idea, he spoke about the importance of democracy, dignity, and respect. President Biden stressed that the forthcoming election has global consequences and is critical for maintaining American values. He shared personal stories and quotes from his father, highlighting the deeper meaning of work and the importance of dignity and respect in one's life.
Toward the end of his speech, The President discussed his engagement with African American churches, offering a prayer for the attendees. He also acknowledged a recent tragic incident in the Middle East, requesting a moment of silence for the soldiers who lost their lives. Concluding his remarks, the President expressed his heartfelt thanks and regretted having to leave the event.
A background press call was held regarding the Counternarcotics Working Group's upcoming meeting in Beijing on January 30th. The working group is part of President Biden's focus on combating the overdose epidemic and disrupting the flow of illicit fentanyl and its precursors.
Key points discussed in the call:
Background: The U.S.-China counternarcotics cooperation was previously suspended but resumed following a meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping. This cooperation is crucial to address the significant impact of fentanyl overdoses in the U.S.
Working Group Meeting: The meeting in Beijing involves a whole-of-government effort, with representatives from DOJ, DHS, State, and Treasury. The group aims to counter the threat of synthetic drugs, focusing on the supply and distribution of precursor chemicals and pill presses.
Progress and Expectations: China has taken actions like issuing notices to its chemical industry and sharing information with international bodies. The U.S. aims to maintain pressure and dialogue, improve communication on illicit financing, and establish robust information-sharing mechanisms.
Challenges and Further Actions: The U.S. seeks continued cooperation from China, including independent identification and action against suspicious activities. There's also a focus on multilateral engagement, including discussions with Mexico.
Clarifications and Questions: The call included queries about specific outcomes, China's willingness to change, tactics to prevent indirect shipments to the U.S., and China's independent actions in identifying and addressing issues.
Overall, the call highlighted the critical role of U.S.-China cooperation in combating the global illicit drug trade, particularly focusing on synthetic drugs like fentanyl and the need for sustained and evolving strategies to address this challenge effectively.
President Biden giving remarks at a campaign stop in Columbia, SC, January 27, 2024
