During his first solo news conference since taking office, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed several issues facing the country — including the worsening U.S.-China relations. Biden compared Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that they were both supporters of autocracy.
Biden said the country is not looking for a fight or further confrontation with China. Biden said that he is willing to do everything in his power to convince China to "play by international rules" and to adhere to "fair competition, fair practices, and fair trade."
"He's one of the guys, like Putin, who thinks that autocracy is the wave of the future, (and) democracy can't function in an ever-complex world. He doesn't have a democratic - with a small 'd' - bone in his body, but he's a smart, smart guy," Biden said.
Apart from talking about China, Biden also responded to questions about North Korea and its recent launch of ballistic missiles. North Korea's actions have alarmed the country's allies, particularly Japan and South Korea. Biden said that if North Korea chooses to escalate, the country "will respond accordingly."
Biden said that the U.S. is prepared to engage in "some form of diplomacy" with North Korea, but the country will first have to agree to denuclearize. North Korea previously demanded that the U.S. and its allies ease economic sanctions against it over its nuclear program.
Biden administration officials said that they have tried to engage in talks with North Korea, but they have so far not received any response.
During the news conference, which had lasted for more than an hour, Biden also addressed the growing illegal immigration issue. Biden downplayed the surge in Mexican immigrants crossing the U.S. border, stating that it was just an annual surge.
"It happens every single solitary year. There is a significant increase in the number of people coming to the border in the winter months. It happens every year," Biden said.
Biden also addressed reports of children being crammed inside border facilities. He said the administration will not refuse care and shelter to children crossing the border. Biden also openly blamed former President Donald Trump for dismantling the country's immigration system.
