President Joe Biden Seeks Stability in U.S.-China Relationship, Insists He is Not Trying to Constrain China’s Rise

President Joe Biden sought to downplay friction with China during his visit to Asia this weekend, insisting he is not trying to constrain the country’s rise.

Speaking at a news conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Mr. Biden said he is seeking stability in the contentious U.S.-China relationship.

“I just want to make sure that we have a relationship with China that is on the up and up squared away, everybody knows what it’s all about,” he said. “We’re not looking to hurt China — sincerely.”

Mr. Biden is in the region to strengthen U.S. ties with China’s neighbors, part of an effort to counter China in the region. He visited India for the G20 summit before traveling to Vietnam to upgrade the relationship between the two countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The President said he is looking to ensure that the U.S. has a “fair and reciprocal” relationship with China, and that the two countries can work together on global issues.

“We’re going to continue to work with China where our interests align,” he said. “We’re going to push back where they are contrary to our interests.”