Biden kicks off Asia trip lauding tech cooperation with South Korea

President Biden touched down in South Korea on Friday in the first visit to Asia of his presidency, kicking off a five-day tour designed to underscore his administration’s diplomatic and economic commitment to the region in the face of a rising China.

Biden’s first remarks here nodded to a top domestic priority for the administration, calling for passage of a sweeping bill in Congress meant to boost U.S. competitiveness against China that House and Senate negotiators are scrambling to finalize.

The president also promoted the two nations’ close ties, particularly on...