Biden says US needs to align with democracies after RCEP signing

China shouldn't be 'the only game in town,' president-elect argues

20201116NY Biden speech

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, speaks about economic recovery at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 16. © AP

ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- America needs to align with other democracies so that they, and not China, can write the rules on trade, U.S. President-elect Joe Biden said Monday, the day after 15 Asia-Pacific countries signed a historic free trade agreement that does not include Washington.

"We make up 25% of the world's trading capacity, of the economy of the world. We need to be aligned with the other democracies, another 25% or more, so that we can set the rules of the road," Biden noted when answering a question on whether the U.S. should consider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, "instead of having China and others dictate outcomes because they are the only game in town." 

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.