Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in the United States for the first time in 6 years.
US and Chinese Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met on Wednesday, November 15, near San Francisco. The two leaders have not spoken since their last meeting on the sidelines of an international meeting in Bali in November 2022.
The Associated Press writes about the results of the meeting.
At a news conference following the meeting, Biden said the United States will continue to compete with the People's Republic of China, but will do so “responsibly” so as not to create “unintended conflict.”
The Chinese leader emphasized the difficult nature of Beijing's relations with Washington over the past 50 years, which “despite the ups and downs, continue to move forward.”
“For two big countries like China and the United States, turning back to each other is not an option. One side is unable to surpass the other, and conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides,” Xi said.
A step towards diplomacy between Washington and Beijing
Biden said they would “keep the lines of communication open” and Xi was willing to listen – no small thing in the world of high-risk diplomacy between Washington and Beijing. Biden left the meeting with commitments on key issues.
Refrain from military support for Russia
Beijing has long sought to be treated as an equal by Washington, and Biden has sought to leverage those ambitions with Xi to try to resolve two devastating wars.
During the closed-door meeting, Biden urged Xi to use his influence to try to calm global tensions, particularly by trying to pressure Iran not to widen the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The US official said Biden spent most of the time talking on the topic and that Xi mostly listened, and it was too early to say what message China sent to Tehran and how it was received.
Biden also pressured Xi to “continue to refrain from military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.”
Warning about Taiwan
Biden and Xi had a “reasonable” and “calm” discussion over Taiwan, the most sensitive issue in the relationship with the greatest potential to escalate into wider conflict. Biden said he reaffirmed the United States' “One China” policy and its belief that any solution must be peaceful.
Economic challenges
According to a description of the meeting in Beijing, Xi pressed Biden to lift sanctions and change export control policies for some equipment.
“Slowing down China’s technological progress is nothing more than an attempt to hold back China’s high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development,” the Chinese side said in a statement. “China’s development and growth, guided by its logic, will not be stopped by external forces.”
There is no indication that Biden will agree to such steps. But even the meeting itself could calm tensions in China, where there are signs of a decline in foreign investment.
Biden also emphasized the length of their relationship and the value of their interactions.
Bilateral meetings don't always make for personal contact, and Biden and Xi sat with advisers on opposite sides of a long table. However, a senior administration official said they spoke about their wives and Biden wished Xi's wife a happy birthday.
“The official, who wished to remain anonymous, said Xi was embarrassed and he admitted he forgot about his wife's upcoming birthday because he was working so hard,” the Associated Press added.
What analysts say
Analysts say Xi is seeking to revive the Chinese economy. He likely asked Biden to clarify and define the scope of the US approach to technological restrictions, particularly the export of cutting-edge chips.
The US is tightening restrictions on chip exports to China.
The leaders also spoke about Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory.
Meanwhile, Biden, facing international challenges over the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, wants to prevent the emergence of another China-related flashpoint.
CNN sources noted that the negotiations did not result in a joint declaration of cooperation or a common statement.
At the same time, they called the tone of their interlocutors “respectful, but direct.” But at a news conference , Biden said he still considers Xi a “dictator.”
“He is a dictator in the sense that he runs a communist country,” the US president explained, adding that the Chinese government is “completely different” from the American one.
Related topics:
More news
