Graham to Biden: Russia, China Will Only Respond to Pressure

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement in response to President Biden’s press conference reacting to his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“It is very disturbing to hear President Biden suggest that it would hurt Putin’s standing if people throughout the world believed he interfered in our election or the elections of other nations.

“It is clear to me that Putin could care less about how he’s viewed by others and, quite frankly, would enjoy the reputation of being able to successfully interfere in the internal matters of other countries.

“Also, I believe Russia is proud of their efforts in interfering in our elections and will not stop until they’re made to do so.

“Equally disturbing was the statement by President Biden telling Putin that if harm came to dissident Alexei Navalny that it would hurt Putin’s standing with the rest of the world. Again – I believe President Biden has miscalculated who he is dealing with.

“Putin could care less about how the world views his efforts to silence dissidents at home and abroad. Again, quite frankly, I think he enjoys the reputation of being someone you don’t want to cross. These are very dangerous observations by President Biden regarding Putin.

“When asked about what efforts he would take to make sure China cooperated with an investigation regarding the origin of the coronavirus, President Biden reinforced the idea that China wants to be considered a normal country, and they’re worried about their reputation with the world.

“Again, President Biden doesn’t understand China. They could care less about what the world believes regarding their image. They care about the bottom line, which is protecting their self-interests.

“China will never open up their lab to international scientific examination until the world punishes China through concrete steps that make it so hard for China to avoid cooperating.

“The leadership of Russia and China are beyond shame. They will only respond to pressure. If you don’t understand that, you don’t understand the dynamics America faces regarding Russia and China.”

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