The highly anticipated meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden on November 15 in Woodside, California, set a positive tone for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco. The leaders of the world’s two largest economies engaged in a candid discussion, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding amid global challenges.
The meeting marked the beginning of a series of dialogues taking place on the sidelines of the APEC forum. The weighty issues facing the China-U.S. bilateral relationship underscore the necessity for both sides to address longstanding tensions that have had global repercussions.
Despite existing differences, the dialogue proceeded with an emphasis on mutual respect. President Xi emphasized the need for “respect” as a foundation for normalizing relations, noting, “It’s unrealistic for one side to remodel the other.” This sentiment reflects the importance of acknowledging each nation’s unique social, cultural, economic, and developmental paths.
President Xi also remarked, “The China-U.S. relationship has never been smooth sailing over the past 50 years and more, and it always faces problems of one kind or another. Yet it has kept moving forward amid twists and turns.” As intertwined economies, both countries recognize the significance of cooperation while accepting that they may not always align on every issue.
The Xi-Biden summit is a hopeful sign that both nations are willing to engage constructively. By focusing on areas of common interest and managing differences responsibly, China and the United States can contribute to global stability and prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
