On Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru.
Xi highlighted that despite challenges over the past four years, China-U.S. relations have experienced periods of engagement and cooperation, contributing to a stable overall relationship.
Under the leadership of the two presidents, key guiding principles for China-U.S. relations were formulated, and efforts have been made to restore constructive dialogue and cooperation, Xi remarked.
Xi noted that over 20 communication channels have been reestablished or newly created, leading to significant progress in diplomacy, security, trade, economic relations, and numerous other areas.
Reflecting on recent experiences, Xi outlined key lessons, emphasizing that strategic perspectives should be accurate and that confrontation, like a “Thucydides Trap” or a new Cold War, must be avoided.
Xi emphasized that credibility is essential, pointing out that inconsistency in U.S. actions could harm mutual trust. He reiterated that China honors its commitments and expects the same from the U.S.
Xi stressed equality in relations, warning against efforts to reshape or suppress each other from a dominant position, and underscoring both nations’ rights to development.
Recognizing inevitable differences, Xi highlighted the importance of respecting each other’s core interests and adhering to foundational agreements like the one-China policy. Sensitive areas such as Taiwan, human rights, and China’s development path were framed as red lines.
Xi underscored the value of expanded cooperation, especially given shared interests and challenges, and proposed more engagement in fields such as public health, trade, and global issues like climate change and AI.
For improved bilateral relations, Xi called for strengthened cultural and personnel exchanges, removing obstacles and nurturing mutual understanding.
Xi urged both countries to act as responsible global leaders, contributing to world peace and unity through constructive interactions without coercing smaller nations.
Drawing on 45 years of diplomatic ties, Xi argued that mutual respect and focusing on common ground are essential for progress, warning that viewing each other as adversaries would be damaging.
In light of global challenges, Xi emphasized cooperation and openness, arguing that decoupling or disrupting supply chains hinders development. Mutual growth depends on collaboration.
Xi asserted that maintaining a stable China-U.S. relationship benefits both countries and global stability. The goal is peaceful coexistence, positive engagement, and fostering certainty in world affairs.
China remains committed to a steady, cooperative relationship with the U.S., upholding sovereignty and fostering mutual respect, while building upon historical friendship and seeking expanded dialogue and cooperation.
Xi reiterated China’s positions on Taiwan, trade, technology, cybersecurity, and other global issues. He warned against supporting “Taiwan independence” and urged caution on sensitive matters.
Xi highlighted China’s stance on cybersecurity and sovereignty in maritime issues like the South China Sea, advocating for dialogue and opposing external involvement.
On the Ukraine issue, Xi reaffirmed China’s diplomatic efforts for peace and de-escalation. He also emphasized preventing turmoil on the Korean Peninsula.
Biden’s Response
Biden, for his part, described U.S.-China relations as critical, noting mutual responsibility to prevent competition from escalating into conflict. Over four years, communication channels have improved.
Biden acknowledged recent cooperative efforts, such as military-to-military relations and issues like climate change and public exchanges, citing progress since their San Francisco meeting.
The U.S. does not aim for a new Cold War, seeks no systemic changes in China, and upholds its one-China policy, Biden assured. Dialogue and responsible management of differences remain priorities.
Mutual Cooperation
The two leaders also reaffirmed key principles guiding China-U.S. relations, emphasizing mutual respect, conflict prevention, and cooperative engagement on global matters.
Both presidents praised strategic communications and dialogue mechanisms as crucial for stability, agreeing to maintain momentum in discussions on various fronts.
They recognized progress in areas like AI, climate change, and drug control since their last meeting, expressing intentions for continued engagement and cooperation.
The meeting was described as candid and productive, with both sides committed to ongoing communication.
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