President Biden, during a speech to American service members in Virginia, said Chinese leadership thinks it will “own America” before 2035.
The question of just what “own” means was never posed nor expanded upon, but Biden indicated the way the respective world powers do business has a lot to do with it.
“We’re in a battle between democracies and autocracies,” Biden told troops at Joint Base Langley Eustis in Hampton. “The more complicated the world becomes, the more difficult it is for democracies to come together and reach consensus.
“I’ve spent more time with President Xi (Jinping) of China than any world leader has — for 24 hours of private meetings with him with just an interpreter, 17,000 miles traveling with him in China and here.
“He firmly believes that China, before the year (20)30, ’35, is going to own America because autocracies can make quick decisions.”
The U.S. political landscape has never been more divided, and that appears to be among the reasons Biden believes China could think it has an “ownership” opening.
Clearly, China is at the forefront of the president’s thoughts, though he made no other mention of China during his remarks.
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this week said peace is “fraying at the edge” as the U.S. competes with China.
Biden spoke for 23 minutes.
Praising servicemembers, the president finished with an appreciation for their work.
“Thank you for your commitment to our country, because … you are the spine of America … And I can’t tell you how much it matters, Biden said. “I think you underestimate just the consequence of who you are and what you do. So, thank you.”
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