US To Maintain "Strong" Military Presence In Indo-Pacific: Biden Tells China

After addressing Harris in his opening remarks as Madam Vice-President, Biden added: "No president has ever said those words from this podium. And it's about time."

Declaring that "America is rising anew" under his leadership, President Joe Biden has told China that the US will maintain a "strong" military presence in the Indo-Pacific "not to start conflict, but to prevent one" as Beijing became more assertive in the strategically vital region. Using his maiden address to the joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office to make a strong case for huge new investments and tax reforms to overhaul the US economy and rebuild the middle class, Biden said, "we have acted to restore the people's faith in our democracy to deliver." In a historic moment, Vice President Kamala Harris - the first woman to hold the second highest office - and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi both sat behind Biden during Wednesday night's prime time address. It was the first time two women appeared behind the president during a speech to Congress. After addressing Harris in his opening remarks as Madam Vice-President, Biden added: "No president has ever said those words from this podium. And it's about time."