In a meeting with Biden, China’s Xi cautions US to ‘make the wise choice’ to keep relations stable
China’s President Xi Jinping and President Biden of the United States met for the last time during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, where they discussed the importance of a stable relationship between their two nations. As they bid farewell, Xi expressed his readiness to work with the incoming U.S. administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his “America first” policies.
During their meeting, Xi emphasized the critical nature of the China-U.S. relationship not only for the two countries but for the future of humanity as a whole. He urged for a wise choice and stressed the importance of finding the right way for the two major nations to coexist peacefully. Without directly mentioning Trump, Xi hinted at his concerns about the protectionist stance that the new administration might take, potentially causing further strain on the U.S.-China relationship.
Xi assured that China is prepared to collaborate with the new U.S. administration to maintain open communication, expand cooperation, and effectively manage differences for the mutual benefit of both nations. He highlighted the need for a steady transition in the China-U.S. relationship, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement and cooperation.
Biden, reflecting on their past interactions, acknowledged that while there have been disagreements, their candid conversations have prevented misunderstandings and conflicts. He emphasized the need for continuous dialogue to ensure that competition between the two countries does not escalate into confrontation. Biden also urged Xi to use his influence to dissuade North Korea from escalating its support for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The leaders discussed a range of issues, including China’s indirect support for Russia, human rights concerns, technology, and the status of Taiwan. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining human control over the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons, and enhancing international cooperation in this rapidly advancing field.
As the U.S. prepares for a transition of power to the Trump administration, both Xi and Biden emphasized the need for stability in the U.S.-China relationship. Biden expressed his commitment to handing over the relationship in stable terms to the incoming administration, recognizing the significant foreign policy challenges that lie ahead in managing the competition with Beijing.
Overall, the meeting between Xi and Biden highlighted the complexities and importance of the U.S.-China relationship, underscoring the need for constructive engagement, cooperation, and dialogue to address mutual concerns and ensure global stability. As the world watches the dynamics between these two global powers evolve, the future of international relations hinges on their ability to navigate challenges and find common ground for the greater good.
