British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden announced a new strategic pact to counter either Russia or Chinabut it is far from the free trade agreement that the United Kingdom dreamed of after Brexit.
“We can count on each other with absolute confidence,” Sunak said at a joint press conference, in which Biden said that Washington does not have “a closer ally” than the United Kingdom.
President Biden met with Prime Minister Sunak today to deepen the close and historic partnership between the US and the UK
The two leaders discussed bolstering energy security, addressing the climate crisis, strengthening our economic ties, and supporting Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1ON6QMG669
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 8, 2023
The “Atlantic declaration” signed at the White House by the two leaders provides for greater cooperation in the defense industry, in civil nuclear power and in the supply of essential metalss for the energy transition.
Like other allies of the United States, the United Kingdom is concerned about the consequences of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes millions in aid for the green energy industry, as well as the boost to the national industry and the products made in the USA.
On defense matters, the US president has promised to open access to the US market for British industrialists to boost the development of hypersonic missiles.
Tune in as I hold a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom. https://t.co/mkDxCvCzQ6
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 8, 2023
The agreement between the two countries also covers artificial intelligence, energy security and supply chains.
“Countries like China and Russia are willing to manipulate and exploit or steal our intellectual property.use technology for authoritarian purposes or deprive us of crucial resources like energy” but “they will not succeed,” Sunak said.
Joe Biden criticized the colossal Chinese international investment plan known as the “New Silk Roads”which he described as a “indebtedness and confiscation program” that “does not go very far.”
Sunak even considered that it is convenient to speak of an “indispensable alliance” instead of “special relationship”, a term generally used to describe the link between London and Washington.
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