4/16/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Apr. 16 , 2021

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APRIL 15, 2021
President Biden Delivers Remarks on Sanctions Against Russia
President Biden announced actions he was taking against Russia, including economic sanctions and the expulsion of several Russian officials, in response to the country’s interference in U.S. elections and involvement in cyberattacks - most notably the SolarWinds hack that targeted U.S. government agencies and corporations. “I was clear with President Putin that we could have gone further but I chose not to do so,” he said. “I chose to be proportionate. The United States is not looking to kick off a cycle of escalation and conflict with Russia. We want a stable, predicable relationship. If Russia continues to interfere with our democracy, I’m prepared to take further actions to respond.” President Biden said there were areas in which the U.S. and Russia could cooperate and said his team was working on setting up a summit between the two leaders that could take place in Europe over the summer. 


US President Joe Biden declared in a Thursday White House address that he would have taken more severe action against Russia over their alleged interference in the 2020 election and the SolarWinds hack, but instead opted for a more commensurate response.
Biden Says US Could Have Gone Further on Anti-Russia Sanctions, Chose to Be Proportionate


Apr. 16 - Biden told reporters that he had relayed his stance to Russian President Vladimir Putin, informing the world leader that the US "could have gone further but I chose not to do so, I chose to be proportionate", Sputnik reported
“If Russia continues to interfere with our democracy, I’m prepared to take further actions to respond. It is my responsibility as president of the United States to do so," Biden underscored. However, the commander-in-chief also emphasized that he has no intention to "kickoff a cycle of escalation and conflict with Russia".

"When I spoke to President [Vladimir] Putin, I expressed my believe that communication between two of us personally and directly was to be essential in moving forward to a more effective relationship and [Putin] agreed on that point," Biden recalled, highlighting that he wants a "stable, predictable relationship" with Moscow.

"My hope and expectation is we'll be able to work out a modus vivendi, and what is important is that we have direct talks and that we continue to be in contact," he said.

​“When President Putin called me in January after I was sworn in to congratulate me, I told him that my administration will be looking very carefully now that we have access to all the data at the issues to assess Russia’s role and then determine what response we would make,” he added.     more

APRIL 15, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki talks about President Biden’s agenda. She discussed newly-announced sanctions against Russia for its role in the SolarWinds hack, election interference, and human rights abuses. She said the sanctions were a fair response but acknowledged the U.S. and Russia still must work together on common interests. Other topics discussed included the COVID-19 vaccine, troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the American Jobs Plan. 
APRIL 15, 2021
U.S. Capitol Police Inspector General Testifies on January 6 Attack
U.S. Capitol Police Inspector General Michael Bolton testified before the House Administration Committee on his report on the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. When asked about why the order was given to Capitol Police not to use all available equipment, “such as heavier, less-than-lethal weapons,” Inspector General Bolton said through their review, Capitol Police leadership decided the heavier munitions were not to be used because “they could potentially cause life-altering injury, and/or death,” and misuse could result in these outcomes. However, Mr. Bolton said that any weapon placed in the hands of police officers could result in injury or death if proper training is not provided. They also discussed the need for consistent communication among federal law enforcement and approved security clearance for capitol police officers to share in classified intelligence pertaining to threats on the Capitol complex.


U.S. President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga participate in a virtual meeting with leaders of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue countries March 12, 2021. 
Biden Hosts Suga, With China in the Foreground

The White House is pushing for strong anti-China rhetoric in the joint statement to follow today’s summit.

Apr. 16 - Biden Hosts Suga at White House Summit
U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at the White House today, the first in-person visit of a world leader since Biden took office in January.
The two leaders have already been in close consultation as one half of the so-called Quad group of nations that includes India and Australia. The same theme of crafting a united regional front against China will be at the top of the agenda today.
Talking Taiwan...     more