Biden: China's success not threat to U.S.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said China's success is not a threat to the United States and "we have a stake in each other's success."

"I remain convinced that a successful China can make our country more prosperous, not less," Biden wrote in an opinion piece in The New York Times Thursday. "As trade and investment bind us together, we have a stake in each other's success."

Biden, who visited China last month, said the two countries share common challenges on issues including global security and global economic growth.

At the same time, he said, "We are clear-eyed about concerns like China's growing military abilities and intentions; that is why we are engaging with the Chinese military to understand and shape their thinking."

And he said the United States and allies keep a "strong presence in the region" and that "America is a Pacific power and will remain one."

While many focus on Chinese exports to America, Biden noted U.S. companies exported more than $100 billion in goods and services to China last year, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Chinese leaders, he said, realize their country must shift to an economy based less on exports and more on consumption of goods and services and that the country must continue moving to revalue its currency and provide "fair access" to its markets.

While in China, he said he argued the country must "open its system, not least to human rights. Fundamental rights are universal, and China's people aspire to them. Liberty unlocks a people's full potential, while its absence breeds unrest. Open and free societies are best at promoting long-term growth, stability, prosperity and innovation."