The World Welcomes the Opening of the Biden Administration

Expectations for Reversing Trump Policies

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Major countries are expressing anticipation for the era of the Joe Biden administration in the United States, which opens on the 20th (local time). In particular, they view positively the reversal of key policies of President Donald Trump, such as rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change, returning to the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), and abolishing anti-immigration policies.

According to major foreign media including BBC and AFP on the day, government officials from major countries welcomed the inauguration of President-elect Biden. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic, "The world needs American leadership," expressing support for the new administration.

The UK government also showed expectations for the Biden administration. Alok Sharma, chair of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to be held in Scotland this November, said at a UK House of Commons committee the day before (local time), "We very much welcome the policies promised by President-elect Biden," and added, "We will work closely with the new administration."

In particular, they welcomed President-elect Biden's pledge to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change. President Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, his first year in office, citing that it was disadvantageous to the United States. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We expect the next US administration to make active contributions to addressing climate change." Chair Sharma also said, "The Biden administration is clearly good news in terms of responding to climate change."

There is also great anticipation regarding the move to return to the Iran nuclear deal, which President Trump had abandoned. If the Iran nuclear deal is restored, it could signal not only to Iran but also to the restoration of relations with European allies. The EU cited the suspension of sanctions threats against all those with economic ties to Iran as one of the first measures the Biden administration could take. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized, "The Iran nuclear deal must return to a normal track."

Mexico has called for a sweeping reform of immigration policy. President-elect Biden has stated that he will submit a bill to Congress shortly after taking office to provide citizenship opportunities to about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. Mexican President L?pez Obrador said the day before (local time), "The time has come to implement the immigration policy reforms promised by Biden," and raised his voice, saying, "While we will discourage immigrants from crossing Mexico to the US, the rights of all immigrants must be respected."