US President Joe Biden said that the Covid-19 epidemic in the USA is over. The statement was given to CBS’s “60 Minutes”, which aired this Sunday (18). During the meeting, the American president also warned China and Russia and expressed his optimism about the country’s economic recovery, but surprised him by being evasive about the possibility of re-election.
“We still have a problem with Covid and we are very involved in it. But the pandemic is over. If you notice, no one wears masks anymore. Everyone seems to be in good shape. I believe something is changing,” he said. . Biden sought billions of dollars from Congress a few weeks ago to keep testing and vaccine programs at bay, given the risk of a new wave in the fall. The American president tested positive for the disease in July.
In the same interview, Biden surprised the White House by not confirming his claims that he would definitely run in the 2024 election. Biden, who will turn 80 in November, told interviewer Scott Pelley his “intention” to be reelected. “But it’s just an intention, I’ll see,” he said.
When asked if he’s already a certain age, Biden replied, “I’m in good shape, right?” he reacted. The American president, being fit for the position, limited himself to saying “follow me” and argued that he should be prosecuted for his actions. He admitted that low approval scores indicate that the country is in “really difficult times”.
Looking at the state of the world’s largest economy, Biden was optimistic and said the government would rein in inflation, the main reason for its low approval ratings. For the same reason, Republicans believe they can take control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Taiwan defense
At another time, when asked if US troops would defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion from China, Biden said “yes” in the event of an “unprecedented attack”. China has criticized the US president’s statement on Taiwan. “This is a serious violation of the US important commitment not to support Taiwan’s independence. This sends a message of support to Taiwan’s separatist forces,” said Mao Ning, spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry.
Washington severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and recognized Beijing as the sole representative of China, which later became an important trading partner. But at the same time, the United States played a decisive role in supporting Taiwan.
Under a law passed by Congress, the United States is obligated to sell Taiwanese military equipment to ensure its defense against Beijing’s armed forces. But Washington maintains what it officially calls “strategic uncertainty” about possible military intervention. This policy was designed both to prevent a Chinese invasion and to deter Taiwan from provoking Beijing by declaring itself independent.
When asked if Biden’s latest statement meant a change to this “strategic uncertainty”, a White House spokesperson said: “The president has said this before, including in Tokyo earlier this year. It hasn’t changed. That remains true.”
Ukraine
In the interview, Biden also said that the US response would be “relevant” if Russian President Vladimir Putin used nuclear or other unconventional weapons against Ukraine. Biden praised Ukrainians for their fight against the occupation. “They are beating Russia,” he said. When asked how to describe Kiev’s victory, he insisted that “to win the war in Ukraine is to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine.” But with the enormity of the human suffering and destruction caused by resisting the Russian offensive, “it is very difficult to accept this as a victory,” he said.
(with information from AFP)
source: Noticias
