Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, underscoring the critical need for cooperation and stability in U.S.-China relations.
Xi emphasized that the U.S. should avoid getting involved in territorial disputes over the South China Sea, urging Washington not to support provocative actions in the region. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to its sovereignty and maritime rights and advocated for dialogue as the best way to resolve differences.
In a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral relations, Xi reflected on the progress made between the two countries over the past four years, despite challenges. He pointed to the restart of more than 20 communication mechanisms and progress in areas such as diplomacy, security, trade, climate change, and more. Xi stressed that the stability of the relationship is vital for both nations and global peace, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Xi outlined seven key principles for the future of China-U.S. relations:
- Strategic Perception: A clear and realistic view of international relations is essential. A new Cold War is not inevitable, and attempts to contain China will ultimately fail and destabilize the world.
- Words and Actions: Credibility is crucial. China always honors its commitments, and the U.S. must follow through on its promises to avoid damaging trust and its own reputation.
- Equality and Mutual Respect: Both nations should treat each other as equals, without attempting to reshape or suppress the other to maintain dominance. Respecting each other’s right to develop is vital.
- Red Lines and Core Interests: While disagreements are inevitable, issues like Taiwan, human rights, China’s system, and development must not be challenged, as they form the foundation of the bilateral relationship.
- Dialogue and Cooperation: Expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, security, climate change, and AI is essential. Both countries should work to expand the scope of collaboration for mutual benefit and address global challenges together.
- People-to-People Engagement: Strengthening ties between the two peoples through cultural exchange and improved communication is key, avoiding actions that create unnecessary tensions.
- Global Responsibility: As major powers, China and the U.S. must cooperate for global peace and stability, refrain from conflicts, and support the public good while fostering international unity.
Moreover, Xi also emphasized that China’s right to development should not be undermined. While all nations must protect their national security, he stressed that this should not be used as a pretext to limit or contain other countries. He rejected unfounded allegations of Chinese cyberattacks, noting that China itself is a target of international cyber threats and opposes all forms of cyberattacks.
President Biden, in turn, reaffirmed that the U.S.-China relationship is critical not only for the two countries but also for global stability. He emphasized that the U.S. does not seek conflict with China and reiterated its commitment to the “One China” policy.
Biden noted that, over the past four years, the U.S. and China have made significant strides in rebuilding communication channels and engaging in strategic dialogue, especially since their meeting in San Francisco. This cooperation has led to tangible results in areas such as military relations, counternarcotics, AI, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges.
The U.S. president also emphasized that the U.S. does not seek a new Cold War, does not aim to change China’s political system, nor supports Taiwan independence. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to the “One China” policy and stressed the need for continued communication to better understand each other and responsibly manage differences.
Both Xi and Biden acknowledged their productive discussions on AI, highlighting their collaboration in co-sponsoring AI resolutions at the U.N. General Assembly. They stressed the importance of enhancing international cooperation to ensure AI benefits all and reaffirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons.
The two leaders described their meeting as candid, profound, and constructive, expressing a mutual commitment to maintaining ongoing communication.