U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 8th (local time) that the reason for imposing export controls against China is because China is using advanced U.S. technology for weapons of mass destruction, and he directly conveyed this to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He strongly criticized China's Belt and Road Initiative (the overland and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe), likening it to a 'debt and seizure' program.
President Biden said this during a joint press conference held after a summit with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, stating, "I have discussed with President Xi why I do not transfer certain technological capabilities to China."
Previously, President Biden held a summit with President Xi in Bali, Indonesia, in November last year.
President Biden also mentioned the need for regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing, "We must respond to national security risks posed by certain types of foreign investment." The U.S. is preparing measures to restrict its companies from investing in China's advanced industries.
Regarding a question about 'America First,' he said, "It does not harm our allies or partners," and pointed out that China's Belt and Road Initiative has revealed itself as a 'debt and seizure' program.
Prime Minister Sunak also emphasized cooperation with the U.S. in economic security to counter China.
He stated, "We are cooperating not only on national security but also on economic security, which determines prosperity. Countries like China and Russia manipulate and exploit our openness, steal intellectual property, and use technology for authoritarian purposes. They will not succeed."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
