On Monday (November 15), US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized their responsibility to the world to avoid conflict, as the leaders of the two largest economies in the world gathered for several hours of talks.
Biden said: “In my opinion, as the leaders of China and the United States, our responsibility is to ensure that the competition between our two countries does not turn to conflict, whether it is intentional or unintentional.”
“It’s just simple and direct competition.”
The United States and China are at odds over the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade and competition rules, Beijing’s expansion of its nuclear arsenal, and increased pressure on Taiwan.
Xi Jinping called Biden an “old friend” and said that both sides must strengthen communication and cooperation to resolve the many challenges they face. Biden had previously disputed the characterization of their relationship as an old friendship.
Through an interpreter, Xi Jinping said: “As the two largest economies in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the United States need to strengthen communication and cooperation.”
Biden promised to address areas of concern, including human rights and other issues in the Indo-Pacific region, adding that “you and me have never been so formal.”
The talks initiated by Biden and started at 7:46 pm on Monday (Tuesday 0046 GMT) were designed to make the relationship between the two parties less intense.
According to Chinese state media reports, after the first meeting of nearly two hours, the two sides took a 15-minute break, which was half an hour longer than expected, before resuming the conversation.
Before the head of state and senior aides spoke privately, a small group of reporters observed the early moments of the dialogue between the two leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House with Biden. When the Chinese president appeared on the big screen in the conference room, the American president was all smiles.
Since Biden became president, Biden and Xi Jinping have not had a face-to-face meeting. The last time they talked was by phone in September.
US officials downplayed expectations for any specific agreements reached between the two parties, including trade agreements, where China lags behind in promising to purchase another US$200 billion in US goods and services. The tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods are not on Biden’s agenda, and Beijing and business groups hope to reduce these tariffs.
The White House declined to answer questions about whether the United States will send officials to participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics in February. Activists and American lawmakers urged the Biden administration to boycott the Olympics.
Scott Kennedy, an expert on China at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said: “Both parties are trying to establish the goal of the call, which is to create stability in the relationship, through the overall framework of their university language and dialogue and the importance of this relationship.” .
“The question is whether they will reach an agreement on anything, or at least agree to disagree and avoid escalation steps.”
CCompeting visions
Xi Jinping looks forward to next year’s Olympic Games and the Communist Party Congress. He is expected to receive an unprecedented third term. He is also eager to avoid increasing tensions with the United States.
But he is expected to oppose Washington’s efforts to open up more space for Taiwan in the international system. China claims that this autonomous island is its own. Beijing has vowed to place the island under Chinese control and use force when necessary.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular briefing on Monday: “I hope that the United States and China will meet each other halfway, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, effectively manage differences, properly handle sensitive issues, and explore ways of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Coexistence.”
Xi Jinping and Biden outlined competing visions last week. Biden emphasized the United States’ commitment to a “free and open Indian Ocean-Pacific”. Washington said it faces increasing “coercion” from China, while Xi Jinping warned against returning. To the tensions of the Cold War.
A tabloid published on Monday by the ruling Communist Party People’s Daily called Taiwan “China’s ultimate red line.”
Taiwan is not the only tipping point. After the Pentagon reported that Beijing was significantly expanding its nuclear weapons and missile programs, Democrats in the US Congress hoped that Biden would make measures to reduce nuclear risks with China a priority.
Beijing argues that its nuclear arsenal is dwarfed by the nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia, and said that if Washington reduces its nuclear reserves to China’s level, it is ready for dialogue.
The Republican senator said: “This is an opportunity for President Biden to show his steel and strength on the American side. He made it clear that we will stand with our allies and we will not support or condone China’s malicious behavior.” Bill · Bill Hagerty served as the ambassador to Japan under former President Donald Trump.
