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Remarks: Joe Biden and Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore Deliver a Joint Statement - March 29, 2022
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Lee Hsien Loong Person
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Joe Biden Person
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Question Person
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:00-00:00:20 (21 sec)
"Welcome back to the White House. I'm honored to welcome Prime Minister Lee to the White House today. And I'm proud -- and I mean this sincerely -- I'm really proud of the partnership that -- between Singapore and the United States. It's as close and as strong as it's ever been."
1
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:00-00:00:01 (2 sec)
"Well, Prime Minister, it's great to have you back. We've --"
1
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:20-00:00:36 (16 sec)
"And together, we're working to uphold a rules-based order -- international order, supporting the founding principles of the United Nations, and advance a future for the Indo-Pacific that is both free and open."
2
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:00:01-00:00:03 (2 sec)
"Happy to be here."
2
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:00:36-00:00:40 (4 sec)
"As we look toward the future, Prime Minister Lee and I"
3
Joe Biden
Somewhat Positive
00:00:03-00:00:05 (2 sec)
"-- spent a fair amount of time together."
3
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:40-00:00:54 (15 sec)
"share a commitment to ASEAN as -- and its centrality in all of what we do. And I'm looking forward to hosting the ASEAN leaders here in Washington, D.C., for a Special Summit this spring."
4
Joe Biden
Somewhat Negative
00:00:05-00:00:12 (6 sec)
"This is a critical moment for, I think, both our countries and the region that you so ably represent."
4
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:54-00:01:10 (15 sec)
"We also discussed a wide range of concerns for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. That includes ensuring that all nations in the region, including China, uphold the principles that enable a free and open region."
5
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:00:12-00:00:33 (21 sec)
"And the strength of the U.S.- -- it seems to me, at least; I hope you think the same way -- the Singapore Strategic Partnership for peace and -- and prosperity throughout the Pacific these many years: Today, that partnership is as important as it's ever been, in my opinion. As a matter of a fact, I think it's growing in importance."
5
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:10-00:01:21 (12 sec)
"Singapore and the United States are both committed to freedom of navigation as well as the unimpeded flow of maritime commerce in the South China Sea."
6
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:00:33-00:01:01 (28 sec)
"And a rule-based order is facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable war against Ukraine is an urgent threat to both Europe and, I believe, to the Indo-Pacific as well. And it's attacking the core tenets of a rule-based international order. And the borders can't be changed by force. And all the nations, large and small, are equal in sovereign -- in rights for their sovereignty."
6
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:21-00:01:37 (16 sec)
"We shared our concerns about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and their destabilizing ballistic missile launches, and in clear vio- -- which are clearly in violation of multiple U.N. Council resolutions -- Security Council resolutions."
7
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:01-00:01:16 (15 sec)
"And I want to thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for Singapore's principled leadership in supporting the people of Ukraine. I know it's not easy, but I want to thank you for it. You're a man of principle, and you've stepped up every time you've had to."
7
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:01:37-00:01:47 (9 sec)
"And we both urge North Korea to refrain from further provocations and return to the negotiation table for serious and sustained diplomacy."
8
Joe Biden
Slightly Negative
00:01:16-00:01:29 (13 sec)
"And even as we address the crisis in Europe, my administration is strongly supportive of moving rapidly to implement the Indo-Pacific Strategy that we've talked about, as you know."
8
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:01:47-00:02:06 (19 sec)
"We're deeply concerned, both of us, by the continuing suffering and violence in Burma, following last year's military coup -- the coup that caused humanitarian crisis and reversed a decade of democratic and economic progress for the people of Burma."
9
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:29-00:01:53 (24 sec)
"And the United States is a proud Indo-Pacific nation. It's hard for most other nations of the world to understand that, but we have a big country and a lot of Pacific territory. And I -- it's a free and open area that we want to make sure is -- we want to maintain it that way and connect it in purpose and security and in terms of our resilience."
9
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:02:06-00:02:20 (15 sec)
"Singapore and the United States agree that the military regime must urgently implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and return Burma to its path to democratic transition."
10
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:01:53-00:02:13 (20 sec)
"And so, today, at the end of the day, we're going to discuss a number of important issues: the U.S.-ASEAN relationship, upholding freedom of the seas, promoting the return of democracy in Burma, and advancing an inclusive and sustainable economic growth in both our areas."
10
Joe Biden
Very Negative
00:02:20-00:02:38 (18 sec)
"And we also discussed the war in Ukraine. Last week, in Europe, the world saw the strong unity for a unified response and resolve among the NATO Alliance, the G7, and the European Union to answer Putin's brutal and unjustified assault on Ukraine."
11
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:02:13-00:02:20 (7 sec)
"And so I want to thank you, again, for making this journey. And, Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours, good friend."
11
Joe Biden
Positive
00:02:38-00:03:01 (23 sec)
"Today, with the Prime Minister's visit and Singapore's strong leadership on this issue, it's clear that Putin's war is unacceptable to nations in every region of the world -- not just Europe, but in every region of the world. It's an attack on the core international principles and it -- that underpin peace and security and prosperity everywhere, including in the Indo-Pacific."
12
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:02:20-00:02:43 (23 sec)
"Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, especially, for receiving me at this critical moment in -- in world affairs. And I'm sure you're completely seized with what's happening in Europe right now. But we doubly appreciate the time you are giving to the relationship with Singapore and the Southeast Asian countries generally, especially ASEAN."
12
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:03:01-00:03:24 (23 sec)
"Today, Singapore and the United States are united in sending the message to all nations -- to all nations, regardless of their size or population: They are equal in the right -- in their rights on the global stage. They have a right to sovereignty and territorial integrity and to determine their own future free from violence and intimidation."
13
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:02:43-00:03:02 (19 sec)
"Singapore is a very good partner of the United States. We are a major security cooperation partner of the U.S. And our relations are doing very well economically, as well as in the security and defense realms, and they prosper and grow and venture into new areas continuously."
13
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:03:24-00:03:37 (13 sec)
"Mr. Prime Minister, our nations cooperate closely on security and counterterrorism; we have for some time. And we have deep commercial and economic ties. We've also developed deep personal ties as well, I must acknowledge."
14
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:03:02-00:03:30 (28 sec)
"And I hope to discuss that with the President today, as well as to further the relationship between the U.S. and ASEAN, which is an engagement which is important to the U.S. because it helps the U.S. to be present in the Asia-Pacific and to deepen its relations with many friends and to strengthen its strategic interest in the region."
14
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:03:37-00:04:16 (38 sec)
"And I -- we're going to continue to deepen our partnership and seize the opportunities to meet the challenges of the moment and to meet them together: fighting COVID-19, making sure we're prepared for the next pandemic; increasing our climate ambitions and working to decarbonize the shipping sector; cooperating on everything from cybersecurity to space exploration; promoting a broad-based economic growth throughout the Indo-Pacific, including by working together to develop an Indo-Pacific economic framework that will drive enduring prosperity across the region."
15
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:03:30-00:03:37 (7 sec)
"We will, of course, exchange views also on Ukraine and what that means for the Asia-Pacific region."
15
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:04:16-00:04:39 (24 sec)
"So, we have a large agenda, Mr. Prime Minister -- an important agenda, a shared vision that we are jointly pursuing: a free and open Indo-Pacific, an Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, and more secure, and more resilient. And the U.S.-Singapore partnership is essential, I believe, to realize that future."
16
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:03:37-00:04:09 (33 sec)
"Singapore hopes that the United States, amidst all its many preoccupations, will continue to deepen its relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific -- China, certainly, but also other countries besides China -- and deepen it substantially in many different ways through the Indo-Pacific Strategy and, in doing so, to foster the peace, stability, and security of the region as you have done for so many decades since the war."
16
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:04:39-00:04:55 (16 sec)
"So, thank you, again, Prime Minister Lee. I always appreciate consulting with you. And as I've told you, both you and Singapore punch way above your weight -- way above your weight. And I value the time we spend together, and I look forward to many more meetings."
17
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Positive
00:04:09-00:04:11 (1 sec)
"Thank you very much."
17
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:04:55-00:04:57 (2 sec)
"The floor is yours."
18
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:04:11-00:04:14 (3 sec)
"I assure you that's our objective. I assure you."
18
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:04:57-00:05:00 (3 sec)
"Thank you, President Biden. Thank you for those warm remarks."
19
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Positive
00:04:14-00:04:15 (1 sec)
"Thank you."
19
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:05:00-00:05:10 (10 sec)
"President Biden, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to thank the President for the very warm welcome that I and my delegation have received."
20
Joe Biden
Somewhat Positive
00:04:15-00:04:18 (3 sec)
"Thank you all."
20
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:05:10-00:05:39 (29 sec)
"We last met in Rome on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, but much has changed since those few months ago. Current international uncertainties and crisis underscore the need for countries to work together with close friends and partners. And Singapore deeply appreciates America's commitment to engage Southeast Asia, and especially Singapore, despite the ongoing crisis in Ukraine."
21
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:05:39-00:05:54 (15 sec)
"We had a very good discussion with President Biden this morning. We reaffirmed the longstanding and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and the U.S., and our shared commitment to a stable, rules-based global order."
22
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:05:54-00:06:08 (15 sec)
"The U.S. has played an important and constructive role in the Asia-Pacific for more than -- for nearly 80 years. And Singapore has consistently supported a strong U.S. presence in the region through our words and actions."
23
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:06:08-00:06:17 (9 sec)
"We have substantial bilateral cooperation on economic, defense, and security issues, and also strong people-to-people ties."
24
Lee Hsien Loong
Positive
00:06:17-00:06:33 (16 sec)
"Singapore is the second-largest Asian investor in the U.S., and the U.S. is the largest investor in Singapore. Singapore's investments in the U.S. and U.S. exports to Singapore support over a quarter million American jobs."
25
Lee Hsien Loong
Positive
00:06:33-00:06:42 (9 sec)
"On the defense front, Singapore is a Major Security Cooperation Partner of the U.S. -- in fact, the only country with this status."
26
Lee Hsien Loong
Leans Positive
00:06:42-00:06:58 (16 sec)
"For more than 30 years, we've had an MOU on defense cooperation, signed in 1990 and recently renewed in 2019, which has provided the U.S. military access to Singapore's air and naval bases."
27
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:06:58-00:07:08 (10 sec)
"We are also expanding our cooperation into new areas, including cybersecurity, digital economy, sustainable development, and even space."
28
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:07:08-00:07:28 (20 sec)
"Singapore deeply appreciates President Biden's leadership in strengthening U.S. engagement in the region. We welcome his intention to host an ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit here soon. It's a strong affirmation of American commitment to Southeast Asia and to ASEAN centrality."
29
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:07:28-00:07:44 (16 sec)
"The President and I discussed the importance of the U.S. growing both its strategic and economic stakes in the Asia-Pacific. It's important to advance a positive economic agenda that's open, inclusive, up to date, and flexible."
30
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:07:44-00:07:56 (12 sec)
"We therefore welcome America's proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will strengthen America's engagement in the evolving regional economic architecture."
31
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Negative
00:07:56-00:08:17 (21 sec)
"I discussed with the President his recent visit to Europe and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Singapore is a staunch supporter of international law and the U.N. Charter, which prohibits acts of aggression against a sovereign state. And that's why we've strongly condemned the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine."
32
Lee Hsien Loong
Positive
00:08:17-00:08:33 (16 sec)
"The sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, big and small, must be respected. The unprovoked military invasion of a sovereign country under any pretext is unacceptable."
33
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Negative
00:08:33-00:08:44 (11 sec)
"We cannot condone any country arguing that another country's independence is the result of historical errors and crazy decisions."
34
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Negative
00:08:44-00:09:00 (16 sec)
"I shared with President Biden the measures that Singapore has taken to constrain Russia's capacity to conduct war against Ukraine. Our actions are based on principles that are fundamental to our survival and existence as an independent, sovereign nation."
35
Lee Hsien Loong
Negative
00:09:00-00:09:11 (11 sec)
"We've upheld these principles and voted in accordance with them at the U.N. in successive crisis over many decades involving different countries."
36
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Negative
00:09:11-00:09:26 (14 sec)
"The war in the Ukraine has implications for the Asia-Pacific. There are potential flashpoints and contentious issues in our region too, which, if not managed well, could escalate to open conflict."
37
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:09:26-00:09:36 (11 sec)
"Countries with interests in the region need to pursue all efforts to settle disagreements through peaceful means so that we can avoid reaching a point of no return."
38
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:09:36-00:09:51 (15 sec)
"It's important, therefore, to keep open channels of dialogue between countries, including at the highest level. This will help to manage developments in order to avoid conflict and prevent misreading each other's intentions."
39
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:09:51-00:10:06 (15 sec)
"We also need to create inclusive constructs to bridge differences and encourage cooperation and interdependence in the Asia-Pacific -- for example, the APEC Leaders' Meeting and the proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework."
40
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:10:06-00:10:24 (18 sec)
"The U.S. has enduring strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific and many friends in the region who want you to stay actively and consistently engaged. And I'm confident that within this regional context, Singapore's own relationship with the U.S. will continue to grow from strength to strength."
41
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Positive
00:10:24-00:10:26 (1 sec)
"Thank you very much."
42
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:10:26-00:10:33 (7 sec)
"Thank you. Now, we each agreed we would take one question. And -- I'll -- I'll recognize someone first."
43
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:10:33-00:10:39 (6 sec)
"Darlene Superville, Associated Press."
44
Question
Negative
00:10:39-00:11:05 (25 sec)
"Thank you, Mr. President. What is your view of Russia's announcement today that it will, quote, "fundamentally" scale back its military operations near Kyiv and another northern city in Ukraine? Do you see this as possibly the war beginning to come to an end, or do you see this as Russia trying to buy time and to recalibrate for a new military effort?"
45
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:11:05-00:11:18 (14 sec)
"We'll see. I don't read anything into it until I see what their actions are. We'll see if they follow through on what they're suggesting. There are negotiations that have begun today -- or not begun, continued; today: one in Turkey and others."
46
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:11:18-00:11:38 (20 sec)
"I had a meeting with the heads of state of -- of four Allies in NATO: France, Germany, the United States, and -- and -- and Great Britain. And there seems to be a consensus that let's just see what they have to offer; we'll find out what they do."
47
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:11:38-00:11:53 (14 sec)
"But in the meantime, we're going to continue to keep strong the sanctions. We're going to continue to provide the Ukrainian military with their capacity to defend themselves. And we're going to continue to keep a close eye on what's going on."
48
Joe Biden
Somewhat Positive
00:11:53-00:11:55 (2 sec)
"Thank you."
49
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:11:55-00:11:58 (3 sec)
"I call on Dawn Tan, Channel NewsAsia."
50
Question
Very Positive
00:11:58-00:12:00 (2 sec)
"Good afternoon, Mr. President. Good afternoon --"
51
Lee Hsien Loong
Neutral
00:12:00-00:12:01 (1 sec)
"Use the mic."
52
Question
Very Positive
00:12:01-00:12:05 (4 sec)
"Oh. Good afternoon, Mr. President. And good afternoon, Prime Minister."
53
Question
Very Positive
00:12:05-00:12:21 (16 sec)
"Prime Minister, you've advocated the benefits for the United States to develop a bipartisan consensus on Asia, that Asia depends upon a predictable U.S. policy towards the region."
54
Question
Very Positive
00:12:21-00:12:47 (25 sec)
"How assured are you, though, that the momentum that you've seen with ASEAN-U.S. engagement has the ability to move the needle on shared objectives in the Asia-Pacific towards the fundamentals that we all need to live by -- peace, prosperity, and economic development? And, basically, how well is President Biden doing in this regard?"
55
Joe Biden
Neutral
00:12:47-00:12:47 ( sec)
"[Laughs]"
56
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:12:47-00:13:19 (32 sec)
"I think if you put it at a very broad level, there is consensus in the United States on the direction of their policy in the Asia-Pacific that they want to engage China; that they are developing -- trying to develop a stable, predictable relationship with China; and, at the same time, engaging other countries in the region not just on strategic and security issues but also on economic cooperation and trade, and other investment, and environmental and sustainability links."
57
Lee Hsien Loong
Very Positive
00:13:19-00:13:51 (33 sec)
"So, at the very broad level, I think the consensus is there. At the level of specific policies, each administration launches new initiatives. I'm quite convinced, having seen several administrations, that this one is completely focused on achieving something lasting in Asia. And we in Singapore will do our best to help to make sure that their proposals work and will take root and will continue to grow for many years to come."
58
Joe Biden
Somewhat Positive
00:13:51-00:13:52 (1 sec)
"Thank you."
59
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Positive
00:13:52-00:13:54 (2 sec)
"Thank you, President Biden."
60
Joe Biden
Very Positive
00:13:54-00:14:00 (6 sec)
"Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you."
61
Lee Hsien Loong
Somewhat Positive
00:14:00-00:14:00 (1 sec)
"Thank you."
62
Joe Biden
Somewhat Positive
00:14:00-00:14:03 (2 sec)
"Thank you, gentlemen."
63