Press Availability with Secretary of State Antony Blinken
The Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.
[Note: The following is a transcript of the press availability with Secretary of State Antony Blinken]
Q: Good afternoon, Secretary. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I'd like to start with the situation in Taiwan. Can you elaborate on what you discussed with Foreign Minister Wang at your meeting yesterday?
A: Yes, thank you. Our conversation with Foreign Minister Wang was productive and focused on the complexities of the Taiwan issue. We reaffirmed our commitment to peace and stability in the region and expressed our concerns about China's military activities near Taiwan. We also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties between our two countries.
Q: The President has announced a new nomination for ambassador to Malaysia, Nick Adams. Can you tell us more about this appointment?
A: Yes, the President makes those nominations, and I support the nomination. Mr. Adams will go through the normal process of Senate confirmation, and we look forward to him joining our team.
Q: There have been concerns raised about the Trump Administration's trade policy and its impact on manufacturing in the United States. Can you elaborate on your vision for industrialization and how it relates to national security?
A: We need to have a diversified and secure supply chain to ensure that we have access to key materials and can process them into usable components. This includes domestic capabilities, as well as those in allied nation-states. The loss of core industrial capabilities, such as pharmaceuticals or rare earth processing, poses significant risks to national security and the global economy.
Q: What about the recent announcement by the Department of Defense regarding an equity stake in a company that will process rare earths? Can you tell us more about this initiative?
A: Yes, this is a critical step towards securing our supply chain and ensuring access to key materials. The Department of Defense has taken an equity stake in this company to support the development of domestic capabilities for processing rare earths.
Q: How do you respond to critics who say that the administration's trade policy is protectionist and that it will harm American businesses?
A: We are not taking a protectionist approach; we're taking a pragmatic one. Our goal is to ensure that we have access to key materials and can process them into usable components, which is essential for national security and economic stability.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia on civil nuclear cooperation?
A: Yes, this is an important step towards strengthening our relationship with Malaysia and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. We're excited to move forward with this initiative.
Q: What's the current status of trade talks with China? Have there been any new developments recently?
A: We continue to engage in trade negotiations with China, but I don't have any specific updates to share at this time. The talks are ongoing, and we're working towards a comprehensive agreement that addresses our concerns.
Q: Can you elaborate on your vision for the Indo-Pacific region? How do you see the United States engaging with its allies and partners in the region?
A: We're committed to strengthening our relationships with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. This includes engaging in diplomatic efforts, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing our military presence in the region.
Q: What's the administration's plan for addressing the growing tensions between the United States and Russia?
A: We remain committed to diplomatic engagement with Russia, but we're also prepared to take action if necessary to defend our interests. The situation in Ukraine is a critical concern, and we'll continue to work with our allies to address this issue.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Department of Defense's efforts to diversify its supply chain?
A: Yes, the Department of Defense has taken steps to diversify its supply chain, including the recent announcement regarding an equity stake in a company that will process rare earths. We're committed to ensuring that we have access to key materials and can process them into usable components.
STAFF:
Thank you, everybody. Thank you.
SECRETARY RUBLENOW:
All right, guys.
STAFF:
Thank you.
SECRETARY RUBLENOVER:
Thank you.