2 - White House News in Chinese (weebly.com)
Vivek Hallegere Murthy (Kannada: ವಿವೇಕ ಹಲ್ಲೆಗೆರೆ ಮೂರ್ತಿ,[1] born July 10, 1977) is an American physician and a vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who has served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States under President Obama and President Biden.[2] Murthy is the first surgeon general of Indian descent and, during his first term as surgeon general, he was the youngest active duty flag officer in federal uniformed service while serving in office.[3]
co-chaired President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board from November 2020 to January 2021, alongside former Food and Drug Administration commissioner David A. Kessler and Yale public health professor Marcella Nunez-Smith.[4] On December 7, Biden announced Murthy would return to the role of surgeon general.[5] The United States Senate confirmed Murthy to the role on March 23, 2021, by a vote of 57–43.[6]
Public engagement
Since 2017, Murthy has appeared on various television and radio shows talking about the problem of loneliness, and he has written numerous articles on the subject. Murthy states he was shocked by how often he encountered people suffering from severe loneliness during his medical career, and argued that loneliness in America has become prevalent enough to count as an "epidemic". Murthy sees loneliness as a root cause that plays a substantial role in many other social problems. In April 2020 he published a book about what both society and ordinary people as individuals, can do to reduce loneliness in themselves and others, entitled Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. quoted from Wikipedia
co-chaired President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board from November 2020 to January 2021, alongside former Food and Drug Administration commissioner David A. Kessler and Yale public health professor Marcella Nunez-Smith.[4] On December 7, Biden announced Murthy would return to the role of surgeon general.[5] The United States Senate confirmed Murthy to the role on March 23, 2021, by a vote of 57–43.[6]
Public engagement
Since 2017, Murthy has appeared on various television and radio shows talking about the problem of loneliness, and he has written numerous articles on the subject. Murthy states he was shocked by how often he encountered people suffering from severe loneliness during his medical career, and argued that loneliness in America has become prevalent enough to count as an "epidemic". Murthy sees loneliness as a root cause that plays a substantial role in many other social problems. In April 2020 he published a book about what both society and ordinary people as individuals, can do to reduce loneliness in themselves and others, entitled Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. quoted from Wikipedia
U.S. President Joe Biden talks to the media as he departs for a weekend visit to Camp David from the White House in Washington, U.S., July 16, 2021.
Social media platforms 'killing people' with misinformation, says Biden
The U.S. President’s comments came a day after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared misinformation about the vaccines a threat to public health.
Jul 17 - President Joe Biden has said that social media companies are “killing people” by failing to police misinformation on their platforms about COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr. Biden's comments came a day after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared misinformation about the vaccines a threat to public health, and as US officials advised that deaths and serious illness from the virus are almost entirely preventable because of the vaccines.
Mr. Biden, asked if he had a message for platforms like Facebook where false or misleading information about the coronavirus vaccines has spread, told reporters, “They're killing people.”
“The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated," he said.
Speaking on Thursday, Dr. Murthy said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, was deadly.
“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation's health,” Dr. Murthy said during remarks at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”
Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of false information while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.
Too often, he said, the platforms are built in ways that encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.
“We are asking them to step up,” Dr. Murthy said. “We can't wait longer for them to take aggressive action.” Facebook spokesperson Dani Lever responded: "We will not be distracted by accusations which aren't supported by facts.
The fact is that more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about COVID-19 and vaccines on Facebook, which is more than any other place on the internet.”
“More than 3.3 million Americans have also used our vaccine finder tool to find out where and how to get a vaccine. The facts show that Facebook is helping save lives. Period,” Lever said.
Twitter posted on its platform, “As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves around the world, we'll continue to do our part to elevate authoritative health information.” source from
Social media platforms 'killing people' with misinformation, says Biden
The U.S. President’s comments came a day after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared misinformation about the vaccines a threat to public health.
Jul 17 - President Joe Biden has said that social media companies are “killing people” by failing to police misinformation on their platforms about COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr. Biden's comments came a day after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared misinformation about the vaccines a threat to public health, and as US officials advised that deaths and serious illness from the virus are almost entirely preventable because of the vaccines.
Mr. Biden, asked if he had a message for platforms like Facebook where false or misleading information about the coronavirus vaccines has spread, told reporters, “They're killing people.”
“The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated," he said.
Speaking on Thursday, Dr. Murthy said misinformation about COVID-19, deemed an “infodemic” by the World Health Organization, was deadly.
“Misinformation poses an imminent and insidious threat to our nation's health,” Dr. Murthy said during remarks at the White House. “We must confront misinformation as a nation. Lives are depending on it.”
Given the role the internet plays in spreading health misinformation, Murthy said technology companies and social media platforms must make meaningful changes to their products and software to reduce the spread of false information while increasing access to authoritative, fact-based sources.
Too often, he said, the platforms are built in ways that encourage, not counter, the spread of misinformation.
“We are asking them to step up,” Dr. Murthy said. “We can't wait longer for them to take aggressive action.” Facebook spokesperson Dani Lever responded: "We will not be distracted by accusations which aren't supported by facts.
The fact is that more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about COVID-19 and vaccines on Facebook, which is more than any other place on the internet.”
“More than 3.3 million Americans have also used our vaccine finder tool to find out where and how to get a vaccine. The facts show that Facebook is helping save lives. Period,” Lever said.
Twitter posted on its platform, “As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves around the world, we'll continue to do our part to elevate authoritative health information.” source from
Readout of President Joe Biden’s Participation in the APEC Virtual Leaders’ Retreat
JULY 16, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Today President Joseph R. Biden Jr. participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Virtual Leaders’ Retreat, hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.
President Biden welcomed the opportunity to directly engage with APEC Leaders. He underscored the importance the United States places on the region, noting that we are a Pacific nation and vowing that the United States will remain deeply engaged in the region for generations to come. President Biden emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and reiterated his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. He put forward a vision for the region that is affirmative, values-based, and transparent.
President Biden articulated the U.S. approach for ending the pandemic and outlined our global vaccine strategy, whereby the U.S. is donating more than half a billion safe and effective vaccines to more than 100 countries in need around the world, several of which are APEC economies. He made clear that the United States is donating our vaccines, not selling them, and underscored the importance of not attaching any political or economic conditions to the provision of vaccines. Our singular goal remains saving lives. President Biden also discussed the importance of investing in better global health security and preparedness so that we are ready the next time we face a pandemic.
On the global economic recovery, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. interest in serving as a strong, reliable partner to APEC economies as we pursue sustained and inclusive growth. He discussed ways to unleash the economic power of the region and to deepen U.S. economic engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific, including through the recently announced Build Back Better World partnership, which will provide high-standard, climate-aligned, and transparently financed infrastructure to APEC economies that need support.
JULY 16, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Today President Joseph R. Biden Jr. participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Virtual Leaders’ Retreat, hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand.
President Biden welcomed the opportunity to directly engage with APEC Leaders. He underscored the importance the United States places on the region, noting that we are a Pacific nation and vowing that the United States will remain deeply engaged in the region for generations to come. President Biden emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and reiterated his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. He put forward a vision for the region that is affirmative, values-based, and transparent.
President Biden articulated the U.S. approach for ending the pandemic and outlined our global vaccine strategy, whereby the U.S. is donating more than half a billion safe and effective vaccines to more than 100 countries in need around the world, several of which are APEC economies. He made clear that the United States is donating our vaccines, not selling them, and underscored the importance of not attaching any political or economic conditions to the provision of vaccines. Our singular goal remains saving lives. President Biden also discussed the importance of investing in better global health security and preparedness so that we are ready the next time we face a pandemic.
On the global economic recovery, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. interest in serving as a strong, reliable partner to APEC economies as we pursue sustained and inclusive growth. He discussed ways to unleash the economic power of the region and to deepen U.S. economic engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific, including through the recently announced Build Back Better World partnership, which will provide high-standard, climate-aligned, and transparently financed infrastructure to APEC economies that need support.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, left, receives her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 18.
COVID-19: World leaders dial in for virtual APEC summit
Jul 17 - US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) were yesterday among the world leaders who met virtually for an APEC summit in Wellington, seeking collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.
New Zealand, the revolving APEC host, said this week that it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held.
The meeting was to highlight growing concerns over COVID-19 outbreaks in the Indo-Pacific region, including in Australia, Indonesia and Thailand.
COVID-19: World leaders dial in for virtual APEC summit
Jul 17 - US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) were yesterday among the world leaders who met virtually for an APEC summit in Wellington, seeking collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.
New Zealand, the revolving APEC host, said this week that it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held.
The meeting was to highlight growing concerns over COVID-19 outbreaks in the Indo-Pacific region, including in Australia, Indonesia and Thailand.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stressed the importance of the 21-member group working together to navigate a way out of the pandemic in a call with Biden ahead of the meeting.
However, tensions among APEC members — mostly notably between the West and China over the origins of COVID-19, trade, Xinjiang and the South China Sea — could yet upend the agenda. A senior Biden administration official said that the US president would use the forum to demonstrate his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
“As one of the first opportunities he has to engage with many of these leaders, he will make clear that the US has an enduring commitment to the region. He will put forward a vision for the region that is based on our values,” the official said.
Biden would also discuss how the region can work together to fuel the global economic recovery... more
However, tensions among APEC members — mostly notably between the West and China over the origins of COVID-19, trade, Xinjiang and the South China Sea — could yet upend the agenda. A senior Biden administration official said that the US president would use the forum to demonstrate his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
“As one of the first opportunities he has to engage with many of these leaders, he will make clear that the US has an enduring commitment to the region. He will put forward a vision for the region that is based on our values,” the official said.
Biden would also discuss how the region can work together to fuel the global economic recovery... more
PM Ardern chairs APEC Leaders’ meeting on COVID-19
Jul. 17 - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has chaired a meeting of Leaders representing the 21 APEC economies overnight.
“For the first time in APEC’s history Leaders have come together for an extraordinary meeting focused exclusively on COVID-19, and how our region can navigate out of the worst health and economic crisis in living memory,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“Front of mind for leaders is achieving widespread access for vaccines globally and working collaboratively to provide them to everyone as soon as possible.
“Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort – making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines.
“Nobody is safe from this virus until everyone is safe. Ensuring both global vaccine access and uptake is as high as possible in the shortest time possible gives our regional and individual economies the greatest chance to accelerate recovery, and will support greater economic stability.
“We are also pushing for collaborative and practical solutions on safely reconnecting with the world by continuing to explore options including vaccine passports, travel green lanes and quarantine-free travel bubbles. This is a challenge to which we are working hard to find creative solutions.
“We have the opportunity to build back better and emerge from this crisis more inclusive, more sustainable and more adaptable than ever, and in order to achieve this as fast as possible - we need to do it together,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Leaders also discussed a range of other matters relating to the pandemic including:
• Individual domestic approaches to the ongoing management of COVID-19;
• The evolving strains and health dimensions of COVID-19, with APEC helping speed the flow of vaccines;
• Fiscal and monetary tools available to sustain economies through the pandemic, with the importance of keeping markets open to one another.
Leading a regional health, trade and economic response to the pandemic has been one of New Zealand’s priorities as APEC 2021 Chair. Today’s meeting builds on progress made at APEC Trade, Structural Reform and Finance Ministers’ meetings from last month and sets a strong foundation for when APEC Leaders meet again in November.
“Leaders have set strong expectations of the outcomes we want in November to support the COVID-19 recovery. These include making sure that APEC economies have lowered tariffs on vaccines moving across borders, and that economies have accelerated digitalisation of border paperwork, reducing costs on businesses,” Jacinda Ardern said. source from
Download the statement
APEC Economic Leaders’ Statement: Overcoming COVID-19 and Accelerating Economic Recovery
Jul. 17 - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has chaired a meeting of Leaders representing the 21 APEC economies overnight.
“For the first time in APEC’s history Leaders have come together for an extraordinary meeting focused exclusively on COVID-19, and how our region can navigate out of the worst health and economic crisis in living memory,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“Front of mind for leaders is achieving widespread access for vaccines globally and working collaboratively to provide them to everyone as soon as possible.
“Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort – making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines.
“Nobody is safe from this virus until everyone is safe. Ensuring both global vaccine access and uptake is as high as possible in the shortest time possible gives our regional and individual economies the greatest chance to accelerate recovery, and will support greater economic stability.
“We are also pushing for collaborative and practical solutions on safely reconnecting with the world by continuing to explore options including vaccine passports, travel green lanes and quarantine-free travel bubbles. This is a challenge to which we are working hard to find creative solutions.
“We have the opportunity to build back better and emerge from this crisis more inclusive, more sustainable and more adaptable than ever, and in order to achieve this as fast as possible - we need to do it together,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Leaders also discussed a range of other matters relating to the pandemic including:
• Individual domestic approaches to the ongoing management of COVID-19;
• The evolving strains and health dimensions of COVID-19, with APEC helping speed the flow of vaccines;
• Fiscal and monetary tools available to sustain economies through the pandemic, with the importance of keeping markets open to one another.
Leading a regional health, trade and economic response to the pandemic has been one of New Zealand’s priorities as APEC 2021 Chair. Today’s meeting builds on progress made at APEC Trade, Structural Reform and Finance Ministers’ meetings from last month and sets a strong foundation for when APEC Leaders meet again in November.
“Leaders have set strong expectations of the outcomes we want in November to support the COVID-19 recovery. These include making sure that APEC economies have lowered tariffs on vaccines moving across borders, and that economies have accelerated digitalisation of border paperwork, reducing costs on businesses,” Jacinda Ardern said. source from
Download the statement
APEC Economic Leaders’ Statement: Overcoming COVID-19 and Accelerating Economic Recovery
20210716 2021 APEC非正式領袖閉門會議會後記者會
Jul. 17 , 2021
總統府今（16）日晚間舉行2021年「APEC非正式領袖閉門會議」會後記者會，張忠謀領袖代表偕行政院政務委員鄧振中、國家發展委員會主任委員龔明鑫、國家安全會議副秘書長徐斯儉及我國APEC資深官員外交部國際組織司司長吳尚年，向國人說明本次會議情形並接受記者提問。
Jul. 17 , 2021
總統府今（16）日晚間舉行2021年「APEC非正式領袖閉門會議」會後記者會，張忠謀領袖代表偕行政院政務委員鄧振中、國家發展委員會主任委員龔明鑫、國家安全會議副秘書長徐斯儉及我國APEC資深官員外交部國際組織司司長吳尚年，向國人說明本次會議情形並接受記者提問。
Statement by White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki on the Visit of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi of Iraq
JULY 16, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
President Biden looks forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, to the White House on July 26, 2021. The Prime Minister’s visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq and advance bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The visit will also focus on key areas of shared interest including through education, health, cultural, energy, and climate initiatives. President Biden also looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iraq on political, economic, and security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
JULY 16, 2021•STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
President Biden looks forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, to the White House on July 26, 2021. The Prime Minister’s visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq and advance bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The visit will also focus on key areas of shared interest including through education, health, cultural, energy, and climate initiatives. President Biden also looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iraq on political, economic, and security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
