WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he is still not convinced that Russia’s announcement to limit military operations near the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, will lead to a major change. war.
Biden said in a speech to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong following bilateral White House talks that he awaits what Russia has to offer in ongoing talks with Ukraine and how Moscow is correcting the presence of troops.
U.S. and Western officials expressed skepticism over Russia’s announcement on Tuesday that it would suspend operations to boost confidence between Ukrainian and Russian officials in ongoing talks with Turkey.
“Let’s see,” Biden said. “I don’t read anything until I see what their actions are.”
White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield expressed more skepticism, saying the administration viewed any movement of Russian forces as “a redeployment rather than a departure” and that ” no one should be fooled by Russia’s statement. “
“The world must be ready for a major offensive in the rest of Ukraine,” Bedingfield said. “We should all expect that we will continue to attack Ukraine.
Biden warned of the latest developments following his meeting with Lee, in which he tried to assure Singapore and other allies in the Pacific that his administration would remain focused on the Indo-Pacific region, even if they face consequences. . Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Biden said at the start of an oval cabinet meeting with Lee that it was important that his administration continued to work to strengthen relations with Singapore and other countries in the region. The president adapted U.S. foreign policy to better reflect the rise of China, America’s most important military and economic rival, the center of its foreign policy, but in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The effort is complicated.
“As we discuss the crisis in Europe, my administration strongly supports the rapid implementation of the Indo-Pacific strategy,” said Biden, who also spoke on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor and Prime Minister of Italy Olaf. Mario Draghi and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed developments in Ukraine.
Biden and Lee discussed US-Southeast Asian relations to facilitate the return to democracy in Myanmar The military coup last year AND promote economic growth in the region. Biden said he and Lee had consulted on the situation in Ukraine and the issue of “freedom of the seas”, which is growing in importance in the region, as Beijing claims the land for most of the country. South China Sea.
Lee acknowledged that the timing of the visit underscores Biden’s commitment to the region and that the United States will continue to “strengthen its strategic interests in the region.”
“I’m sure you’re totally obsessed with what’s happening in Europe right now,” Lim said. “But we are doubly grateful for the time you spend in Singapore and Southeast Asia in general, and ASEAN in particular.”
Biden’s national security team is pleased that Singapore and other Pacific partners – Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea – have moved to Russia relatively quickly with sanctions after the invasion.
“The war in Ukraine has an impact on the Asia Pacific region,” Lee said. China shot Taiwan. Concerns grew before Russia invaded Ukraine over Beijing’s calculations on Taiwan. Biden administration officials said Chinese President Xi Jinping was closely monitoring U.S. and Western reactions to the Russian aggression.
White House officials also said China had offered military and economic assistance to Moscow in conducting the war.
There is a conflict over democracy on the island that self-government Get Involved in the US That is legally obligated to ensure that Taiwan can protect itself and sees threats to the island as a serious concern.
The Biden administration has repeatedly stressed the “One China” policy., Which recognizes Beijing as the Chinese government, but allows for informal relations and defense relations with Taipei. Biden also clarified that the United States strongly opposes China’s unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“There are potential turmoil in our region and controversial issues that, if left unchecked, could escalate into open rivalry,” Lim said. “Countries with regional interests must make every effort to resolve their differences peacefully to avoid reaching a breakthrough.”
Singapore, which typically waits for UN support before sanctions is imposed, has imposed restrictions on certain exports and banned financial institutions from doing business with Russian banks.
Biden thanked Lee for saying Singapore was a reliable ally and said the island could “get past your weight”.
Biden was expected to host several ASEAN national leaders this week, but the summit was postponed. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Singapore in August Announced deals involving cyber security, climate change and supply chain issues.
The president said on Tuesday that he still plans to host the ASEAN summit this spring.
Associated Press writer Chris Megerian shared the report.
Source: Huffpost
