The recent high-profile meeting between President Xi Jinping of China and President Joe Biden of the United States in San Francisco is being hailed as one of the most significant diplomatic events of the year. This summit holds profound implications not just for China and the U.S., but arguably for the entire world. The primary goal was to establish a “floor” under Sino-U.S. relations, ensuring that the relationship does not continue to deteriorate, thereby contributing to global peace and laying the groundwork for worldwide prosperity.
President Xi emphasized that while China and the U.S. have differences in history, culture, social systems, and development paths, they can overcome various challenges by finding the right way to coexist based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He highlighted the “grave problems” facing the global economy, noting that despite signs of recovery, it “remains sluggish,” with industrial and supply chains under threat and rising protectionism.
President Biden, addressing President Xi directly, underscored the importance of clear communication between the two leaders to avoid misconceptions or miscommunication. “We have to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict,” Biden stated. He emphasized that critical global challenges such as climate change, counter-narcotics, and artificial intelligence demand joint efforts from both nations.
The Chinese foreign ministry described the meeting as smooth, comprehensive, and in-depth, outlining five key areas where consensus was reached:
- Guiding Principles for Relations: Upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, open communication, conflict prevention, adherence to the UN Charter, cooperation in areas of shared benefit, and managing competitive aspects constructively.
- High-level Dialogues: Agreeing to more high-level dialogues and discussions on trade, commerce, finance, export controls, Asia-Pacific affairs, and technological and agricultural cooperation.
- People-to-People Exchanges: Working towards increasing scheduled passenger flights, expanding educational cooperation, and enhancing student, youth, cultural, sports, and business exchanges.
- Global Governance: Enhancing cooperation to tackle the climate crisis and committing to work together to reduce emissions in the coming years.
- Military Communications: Restoring high-level military-to-military communications based on equality and respect, and forming a working group on counter-narcotics cooperation.
In a subsequent press conference, President Biden described the meeting as one of the most productive and constructive to date. He highlighted three specific agreements:
- Counter-Narcotics Cooperation: Collaborating to interdict precursor chemicals and equipment used in opioid production, addressing the opioid crisis.
- Military Communications: Resuming direct military-to-military communications to prevent conflicts.
- Artificial Intelligence Governance: Establishing expert discussions to address the dangers of artificial intelligence.
The leaders also pledged to renew climate cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to address global environmental challenges. President Biden reiterated that the U.S.’s long-standing “one-China policy” will not change, acknowledging a critical aspect of China’s foreign policy.
Notably, some disagreements remain unresolved, such as differing positions on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and U.S. tariffs and sanctions related to advanced technology exports.
The setting of the meeting—a private estate where Presidents Xi and Biden shared a personal walk—symbolized a deliberate move towards resetting Sino-U.S. relations. The fact that the meeting occurred is itself a significant achievement, indicating a mutual willingness to stabilize relations despite deep-seated differences.
Observers note that the personal investment of political capital by both leaders suggests a strong commitment to improving bilateral ties. At a gala dinner with U.S. business leaders, President Xi encouraged participation in China’s vast market, signaling openness to economic collaboration, though businesses remain cautiously optimistic.
The peace and prosperity of the world are closely tied to stable and constructive Sino-U.S. relations. Regular, direct communication at multiple levels—including economic, geopolitical, military, scientific, and cultural exchanges—is essential. The leaders’ agreement to “pick up the phone and call” whenever needed underscores the importance of open lines of communication in managing the complex relationship between the two nations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
