Biden at Final UN General Assembly: "Stronger Together"... No Mention of North Korea's Nuclear Issue

Urging World Leaders to Support Ukraine and Pursue Middle East Peace
Silence on North Korea Nuclear Issue... Focused Analysis on Ending Gaza War
Background of Renouncing Reelection: "People Are More Important Than Maintaining Power"

U.S. President Joe Biden appealed to world leaders on the 24th (local time) for the international community to unite more strongly to resolve global issues such as war.

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York that day, President Biden said, "I know many people despair when they see the difficulties the world faces today," adding, "I do not despair and will not despair. That is a luxury we cannot afford."

He urged, "We are stronger than we think," and "There is nothing beyond our capability if we cooperate. Let us work together."

This was interpreted as a remark aimed at former President Trump, who, based on 'America First' and isolationism, placed little importance on international organizations including the UN.

President Biden also urged the international community to join forces to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

He questioned, "Will we continue to support Ukraine so that it can win this war and preserve its freedom, or will we turn a blind eye as aggression resumes and a nation is destroyed?" emphasizing, "We will not stop supporting Ukraine until it wins and achieves a just and lasting peace."

President Biden also stressed that the UN must work for peace and stability in the Middle East. He emphasized that Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas must quickly reach a ceasefire agreement, and that clashes between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah must not escalate into a full-scale war.

He also expressed his stance on China, the United States' biggest competitor. He reiterated his intention to responsibly manage competition with China while preventing unfair economic competition and military pressure in areas such as the South China Sea.

Furthermore, he expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific region. However, unlike his speeches at the past three UN General Assemblies, he remained silent on the North Korean nuclear issue this year. Analysts suggest that, with his term ending in January next year, he likely judged that highlighting short-term achievable issues such as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and ending the Gaza war would be more effective.

At what became his last UN General Assembly attendance after deciding not to seek re-election, President Biden emphasized, "We must never forget that there are things more important than holding on to power," adding, "Your people are the most important. We are here to serve the people, not the other way around. Let us never forget that."