youPresident Joe Biden And the Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping has started their long-awaited video conference. This is the first time the two presidents have met each other since Biden took office in January, albeit in a virtual meeting. Prior to this, the two had only made two phone calls.
At the opening on Tuesday morning Beijing time and Tuesday morning Beijing time, the heads of state and party leaders said XiAs the official media quoted him as saying, China and the United States should respect each other, coexist and cooperate peacefully. The two countries should also shoulder their respective international responsibilities.
The dialogue took place against a backdrop of growing tensions between the two largest economies. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979, relations between the two major powers have become more tense than ever. Both sides see themselves as competitors.
The argument is very long
The focus of contention included China’s threat to Taiwan, the ongoing trade war, China’s human rights situation, dealings with Uyghurs and Tibetans, and the suppression of Hong Kong’s democracy movement. Washington is also very suspicious of China’s claims to have power in Asia. In turn, China accused the United States of wanting to slow its rise in the world. Beijing also complains about the rise of protectionism in the United States.
A senior U.S. official said before the start of the talks that U.S. President Biden was betting on “stiff competition” with China, but wanted to prevent open conflict. The US has also made it clear that it hopes China will abide by international standards.
According to official media reports, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Premier Liu He, who is in charge of trade relations with the United States, are participating in the talks. On the American side, Secretary of State Anthony Brinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen are among them.
