Biden spoke with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after bilateral talks at The White House. He said that he was eager to hear what Russia has to offer in ongoing negotiations with Ukraine and how Moscow adjusts its troop presence.
U.S. Western officials expressed doubt about Russia's Tuesday announcement that it would reduce operations to improve trust in ongoing negotiations between the Turkish and Ukrainian officials.
Biden stated, "We'll be seeing," and "I don’t read into it until after I see their actions." "
After meeting with Lee, the Democratic president expressed concern about the latest developments. He also sought to assure Singaporeans and other Pacific allies of his administration's continued focus on the Indo-Pacific region as they deal with the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Biden stated that his administration must continue to improve relations with Singapore and other countries in the region at the beginning of an Oval Office meeting. While the president has made it a priority to adjust U.S. foreign policies to better reflect China's rise, the invasion of Ukraine has compelled him to make this a more difficult task.
Biden stated that even though we are dealing with the crisis in Europe and the need to move quickly to implement the Indo-Pacific Strategy, his administration was supportive.
They discussed the relationship between the U.S.A and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. They also promoted the return of democracy to Myanmar after the military coup, and encouraged economic growth in the region. Biden stated that he met Lee to discuss the Ukraine situation and freedom of the seas. This is a crucial issue in the region, as Beijing claims most of the South China Sea.
Lee acknowledged that Biden's visit to the region was timed well and that the U.S. would continue "to strengthen its strategic interests" in the region.
Lee stated, "I'm certain you're fully seized with the current events in Europe right now." "But, we doublely appreciate the time that you give Singapore and other southeast Asian countries, especially ASEAN," Lee said.
Biden's national security staff was pleased that Singapore and the other Pacific partners -- Australia and Japan, New Zealand, South Korea -- moved quickly to hit Russia with sanctions after the invasion.
Lee pointed out that the war in Ukraine had implications for the Asia Pacific region. This seems to be a reference to China’s saber-rattling towards Taiwan. Even before Russia invaded Ukraine, concerns were growing about Beijing's plans for Taiwan. Biden administration officials claim that Chinese President Xi Jinping closely monitored the U.S. response to the Russian invasion.
Officials from the White House have stated that China offered Moscow economic and military support in its pursuit of war.
Any dispute over Taiwan's self-governing island democracy will involve the U.S. . This country is legally bound to protect Taiwan and treat threats to Taiwan as grave concerns.
Biden's "One China” policy has been repeatedly emphasized by the Biden administration. This recognizes Beijing as China's government, but allows informal relations with Taipei and allows for defense ties. Biden made it clear that the U.S. strongly opposed China's unilateral attempts to alter the status quo and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Lee stated that there are "potential flashpoints and contentious matters in our region which, if not managed well, could escalate into open conflict." "Countries that have interests in the region should make every effort to resolve disagreements peacefully, so we don't reach a point where there is no return."
Singapore, which usually waits for the United Nations to back sanctions before it implements them, has placed restrictions on certain exports and banned financial institutions from doing business in Russia with Russian banks.
Biden thanked Lee, saying that Singapore is a reliable ally and "punch way beyond your weight."
Biden had been scheduled to host several ASEAN leaders this week. However, the summit has been postponed. In August Kamala Harris, Vice President, visited Singapore to announce agreements regarding cybersecurity, climate change, and supply chain issues.
On Tuesday, the president stated that he would still host the ASEAN summit in spring.
