Trump's speech in Da Nang: America seeks strong partners

Speaking at APEC in Da Nang, US President Trump said he will always put America first and wants balanced trade between countries.

US President Donald Trump today spoke to leaders and businessmen of member economies at the APEC CEO Summit held at the Ariyana Convention Palace, Da Nang, emphasizing economic freedom and openness, while portraying the US as a fair partner with Asian countries.

Opening his speech, Mr. Trump shared the losses that the Vietnamese people suffered after Typhoon Damrey, saying "the American people are praying for you and looking forward to your recovery in the coming months. Our hearts go out to the people of Vietnam affected by this terrible storm."

The US President praised the economic transformation of many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea, affirming that the US has always been a dynamic partner of the Asia-Pacific region since its founding.

"We seek friendship but do not dream of domination," he stressed.

Mr. Trump also shared a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region where nations can share prosperity in peace.

On trade, Mr. Trump warned about actions that "unfairly treat the United States", saying that the United States will no longer tolerate unequal economic or trade practices.

"The United States will no longer tolerate the blatant theft of intellectual property, and we will confront the tactics of forcing businesses to hand over technology to the state and forcing them to enter into joint ventures in exchange for market access," Mr. Trump emphasized.

US President Donald Trump speaks at the CEO Summit. Photo: Quynh Tran.

Those who play by the rules, he asserted, will become America’s closest economic partners. “Those who do not can be sure that the United States will no longer turn a blind eye to violations, cheating, or economic aggression. Those days are over.”

The US President said open markets cannot be achieved without ensuring fair market access, asserting that unfair trade "hurts everyone".

Mr Trump said the US would enter into bilateral trade deals with Indo-Pacific nations that adhere to the rules of fair and reciprocal trade. “What we will no longer do is enter into these big deals that compromise American sovereignty.”

Claiming that North Korea is "taking dangerous steps", Mr. Trump called on countries to unite and not let people and the region be subjected to "nuclear blackmail".

He affirmed that countries must also respect the rule of law, individual rights, freedom of navigation and overflight. These three principles create stability, respect, security, and prosperity. The US President called for dealing with security threats, smuggling, drugs, corruption, cybercrime, and territorial expansion.

Referring to the Trung Sisters, the US President said they awakened the spirit of the Vietnamese people. "The patriots of history hold the answers to our future. They remind us of who we are, what we do," he said.

"We have the power to lift our people and our world to new heights. Let us choose a future of patriotism, prosperity, and freedom from poverty. Let us choose a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US President emphasized.

According to Tuoi Tre