In a significant move to shape the future of China-U.S. relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday in Lima, Peru. During the meeting, Xi outlined seven key points aimed at fostering stable, healthy, and sustainable ties between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the past four years to draw valuable lessons. He also identified four “red lines” that are fundamental to China’s core interests and must not be challenged or crossed.
These red lines include the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China’s chosen path and system, and China’s right to development. By clearly delineating these non-negotiable areas, China is conveying a firm message about its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and core interests.
Commitment to Stable and Healthy Relations
Experts believe that this meeting comes at a pivotal moment as the United States prepares for a governmental transition. Zhou Wenxing, an associate professor at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University, noted that both leaders articulated their core demands and concerns while reaching a consensus on fostering stable bilateral relations and ensuring peaceful coexistence.
“This consensus is especially significant as Trump prepares to assume the presidency in 2025, providing a crucial foundation for maintaining stability in China-U.S. relations during the transitional period,” Zhou said.
Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China and senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, emphasized that the outcomes of the meeting constitute an important part of Biden’s political legacy. “For the incoming Trump administration, they serve as a guide for the future direction of relations, emphasizing that opposing China will neither contain its growth nor benefit the U.S.,” Wang explained.
According to Wang, China’s four red lines clearly outline its fundamental bottom lines to the U.S. “China’s proactive expression of its stance demonstrates increasing strategic initiative in managing bilateral relations,” he said. By emphasizing shared responsibilities as major powers, China positions itself on higher moral ground.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Over the past four years, Xi and Biden have led efforts to ease tensions on issues ranging from trade to security. Saturday’s meeting marked their second face-to-face encounter since a meeting in California last year, and their third overall.
President Xi acknowledged that it is inevitable for major powers like China and the U.S. to have differences, but stressed that neither side should undermine the other’s core interests or seek conflict. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas such as trade, public health, climate change, artificial intelligence, and addressing global conflicts, urging enhanced dialogue to achieve win-win outcomes.
Sending a Positive Signal to the World
Despite the Biden administration nearing the end of its term, experts believe that the meeting holds positive significance in alleviating global anxiety, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zhou emphasized that Trump’s return could introduce uncertainty to bilateral relations. “Coupled with the global economic slowdown and conflicts like those in the Middle East and Ukraine, this heightens unpredictability in global politics,” he said.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
