Biden, Xi hold virtual talks amid strained US-China relations

Asia-Pacific, News, US November 16, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. and China agreed to have candid dialogues and make sure that competition does not veer into conflict

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held detailed discussions in a virtual meeting that lasted for about three and half hours but no major deliverables emerged. Both sides sought to dial down hostilities and avert conflict.

Afghanistan, North Korea, and Iran, as well as human rights, climate change, energy and trade, and concerns over Taiwan, were among topics discussed. The two leaders also discussed the importance of managing competition responsibly.

On the Taiwan issue, the U.S. president pressed his Chinese counterpart on Beijing’s human rights practices while Xi Jinping warned that China would respond to provocations on Taiwan. Biden reiterated U.S.’s long-standing support for the “One China” policy under which it officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei and also said “the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” the White House said.

Chinese President Xi said those in Taiwan who seek independence, and their supporters in the United States, are “playing with fire.” He clarified that China is patient and seeks peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts but if the Taiwan separatist forces provoke or cross the red line, China “will be compelled to take resolute measures.”

Trade and Economy

During the talks, Joe Biden stressed the “need to protect American workers and industries from the PRC’s unfair trade and economic practices.” He also discussed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and communicated the continued determination of the United States to uphold our commitments in the region.

Xi Jinping described the China-U.S. economic and trade relations as “mutually beneficial” and said that trade issues “should not be politicized.” China has agreed to upgrade fast-track arrangements to facilitate the U.S. business community, improve economic ties and boost the recovery of the two economies. Xi also said the U.S. should stop abusing or overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese businesses.

Managing competition

The two sides agreed to have candid dialogues and make sure that competition between the two countries is fair and healthy and does not veer into conflict.

“As I’ve said before, 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,” U.S. President Biden told Chinese President Xi Jinping. Biden stressed on keeping the competition between two power as “simple” and “straightforward”.

*^{A picture of the video link screen was taken during the Biden-Xi Virtual meeting.}*

Climate Change

The two leaders also discussed the climate crisis to the world and the important role that the United States and China can play to address the issue of climate change crisis and global energy supplies.

Health

President Xi called for a cooperation mechanism on health issues and to prevent and control the communicable disease by promoting international exchanges, as the world needs “more solidarity and cooperation.”