On Monday, United States (US) President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met for the first time as their country’s leaders at a virtual meeting. The meeting went on for over three hours, during which Biden and Xi discussed the importance of “increased communication and cooperation” between the world’s largest economies.
Biden, in his opening remarks, emphasised on the need for “simple, straightforward competition” between the two superpowers. He went on to say: “It seems to me our responsibility as leaders of China and the United States is to ensure that the competition between our countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended.”
The US President also highlighted the need for both countries to converge and cooperate on common problems such as the climate crisis, adding, “how our bilateral relationship evolves will have a profound impact not only on our countries but the rest of the world.”
Xi, meanwhile, began his speech by thanking his “old friend” (Biden) and pointed out how these talks are taking place while “both China and the U.S. are at critical stages of development.”
Speaking through an interpreter, Xi stressed that “a sound and steady China-U.S. relationship is required for advancing our two countries’ respective development and for safeguarding a peaceful and stable international environment, including finding effective responses to global challenges such as climate change and the COVID pandemic.”
Xi ended his opening remarks by saying that “China and the U.S. should respect each other, coexist in peace, and pursue win-win cooperation.”
Regarding expectations from the meeting, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told the press: “It is hoped that the US will work in the same direction with China, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, effectively manage differences, properly handle sensitive issues, discuss a way of peaceful coexistence with mutual respect.”
On the other hand, US officials, in the build-up to the ‘historic’ meeting, downplayed any expectations by refraining to use the word “summit” and insisted on calling it a mere “meeting.”
As the “candid and forthright” talks unfold in the coming days, both delegations are also tasked with discussing several contentious issues such as cybersecurity, human rights, trade deal, tariffs, nuclear non-proliferation and the status of Taiwan.
US-China relations are at a historic low, particularly in light of diplomatic spats over espionage. However, both countries do seem to be actively working towards finding points of convergence despite their many disputes. For example, just last week, they announced a collaborative climate plan at the COP26 summit.
In this respect Wu Xinbo, the dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said the meeting between Biden and Xi is a positive development. He told state-owned news outlet Global Times: “It’s also rare for heads of state to have such a long conversation, and such a good relationship is seen as a positive condition for handling bilateral ties”
Wu added, “The virtual summit could enhance political trust between the two countries, and improving the atmosphere of current and future bilateral relations.”
Along these same lines, Scott Kennedy, a China expert at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, pointed out “both sides are trying to establish the call’s goal as creating stability in the relationship.”
Xi Calls For US, China To “Coexist in Peace” During Meeting With Biden
Washington and Beijing engaged in “candid and forthright” talks in an effort to stabilise their otherwise tense relationship.
November 16, 2021
U.S. President Joe Biden (L) with Chinese leader Xi Jinping IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS