In her speech, at the Munich Security Conference, she did acknowledge the tension in that relationship: “Wherever we have been weak, where we have not been ready to make changes, subsidiary or alternative structures have developed in Asia, often under the leadership of China. We have to convince through actions that we are willing to stand up to this.”
Biden followed up in Munich, shortly after the leaders’ discussion, and was explicit on the issue. “We have to push back against the Chinese government’s economic abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system,” Biden said. “The competition with China is going to be stiff. That’s what I expect. And that’s what I welcome.”
Leaders used the call to emphasize the need for digital platforms such as Facebook Inc. and Twitter Inc. to promote democratic values and freedom of expression, according to a French official, who asked not to be named in line with protocol.
The G-7 statement insisted on the need to reach a “consensus-based solution” on international taxation, amid talks on how to tax digital giants.
Leaders are set to meet in person in Cornwall, southwest England, in June.
-With assistance from Ania Nussbaum.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.