Biden-Xi Meeting Shapes the Future of US-China Dynamics

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting for the first time in a year, expressing that they must prevent the U.S.-China relationship from deteriorating into economic and military conflicts.

According to Bloomberg and The New York Times (NYT) on the 15th (local time), President Biden said in his remarks, “We have known each other for many years, and we don’t always agree, but our meetings have always been honest and useful.” He added, “It’s important that you (President Xi) and I understand each other clearly without misunderstanding as leaders, and I value our conversation.”

Managing the U.S.-China Relationship

President Biden emphasized the need to prevent a clash between the two countries. He said, “We must ensure that competition does not escalate into conflict” and “We have to manage it responsibly.”

President Xi responded, “The world has overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is still being affected. The global economy is recovering, but the momentum is still insufficient.”

President Xi also emphasized coexistence between the two countries. President Xi said, “Turning our backs on each other is not an option for two major countries like China and the U.S. If we head towards conflict, it will bring unbearable consequences for both sides.” He added, “It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other.” He continued, “The Earth is big enough for both countries to succeed. The success of one country will be an opportunity for the other.”

The U.S.-China summit, held for the first time in a year since last year in Bali, Indonesia, took place near Woodside, San Francisco. This is the second time the two leaders have met face-to-face.

Issues such as the Taiwan issue, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine war, etc., are mentioned as the summit’s main agenda. The U.S. expressed its intention to discuss the restoration of military channels between the two countries, climate change, fentanyl control, and artificial intelligence (AI). China is likely to mention U.S. export controls and investment restrictions.

Key Agendas and Attendees

Key officials also attended the meeting between the two leaders. From the U.S. side, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo attended. From the Chinese side, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, and Finance Minister Liu Kun attended.

After the meeting between the two leaders, President Biden is expected to hold a press conference, and President Xi is expected to return to San Francisco for a dinner with the CEOs of major U.S. companies.

By. Kwon Seong Jin