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U.S. secretary of state lists eight priorities, from COVID response to managing China relationship
Summary
The U.S. secretary of state outlined eight foreign-policy priorities in remarks, including stopping COVID-19, addressing the global economic crisis, renewing democracy, immigration reform, strengthening alliances, tackling climate change, advancing technology leadership and managing the relationship with China.
The U.S. secretary of state outlined eight priorities for the department in prepared remarks, saying the goals include stopping COVID-19, stabilizing the global economy, renewing democracy, reforming immigration, strengthening alliances, addressing the climate crisis, advancing technology leadership and managing the U.S.-China relationship.
"My job is to represent the United States to the world, to fight for the interests and values of the American people, to make your lives more secure, create opportunity for you and your families, and tackle the global crisis that are increasingly shaping your futures," the secretary said, adding that they were sworn in five weeks earlier.
Why it matters: the list frames the department's public-diplomacy and policy priorities and signals areas where the administration intends to focus resources and diplomatic effort. The secretary tied the public-health and economic items to broader national security and global-stability goals.
The secretary opened with public-health and economic priorities. On COVID-19, the secretary said the administration will "stop COVID 19," and noted that "President Biden declared the coronavirus pandemic is over." On the economy, the secretary said the department will "turn around the economic crisis" and "build a more stable, inclusive global economy." These remarks frame global health and economic recovery as diplomatic priorities.
Democracy and migration were listed next. The secretary said the department will "renew democracy because it's under threat," and cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a strategic failure in that context. On migration, the secretary said the U.S. will "work to create a humane and effective immigration system" and welcomed new arrivals as contributing to the country's future.
On alliances, climate and technology, the secretary said the department will "revitalize our ties with our allies and partners," "tackle the climate crisis and drive a green energy revolution," and "secure our leadership in technology." The remarks included a direct welcome to Sweden on NATO membership: "Sweden, welcome to NATO."
Finally, the secretary listed managing the bilateral relationship with China as a priority. "We will manage the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century, our relationship with China," the secretary said, and added that the department will hold itself accountable by asking, "Are we delivering results for you?"
The remarks closed with an emphasis on accountability: "Above all, we'll hold ourselves accountable to a single overarching measure of success," the secretary said, and described it as "the honor of my life to serve as your secretary of state." The speech did not specify timelines, funding, or concrete policy steps for the listed priorities.
