Biden to Xi: To prevent rivalry from becoming confrontation
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On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Xi, and Biden shook hands in front of their respective flags before beginning a long-awaited meeting.
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President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands (AFP)
As they met for the first time in more than three years, Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping expressed optimism that the United States and China can manage growing disagreements and avert conflict.
On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Xi and Biden shook hands in front of their respective flags before beginning a long-awaited meeting.
Biden, who was seated across from Xi at opposing tables, said that Beijing and Washington "share responsibility" for demonstrating to the world that they can "manage our differences, prevent rivalry from becoming confrontation."
"The world expects, I believe, China and the United States to play key roles in addressing global challenges from climate changes to food security, and for us to be able to work together. The United States stands ready to do just that, to work with you, if that is what you desire," he added.
Xi, who recently won an unprecedented third term, told Biden that the world has "arrived at a crossroads."
"The world expects that China and the United States will properly handle the relationship," Xi told him.
The Chinese President told his US counterpart that he is ready to have an honest and detailed exchange of views on issues "of strategic importance to China-US relations." He also added that he looks forward to when bilateral relations between their countries would return to "the path of healthy development."
On the night of his meeting with Xi, Biden spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Cambodia, “appealing for peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait.
Despite Biden’s upbeat public statements, the US has been fueling the already-high level of tension in the Taiwan Strait, stepping up lethal weaponry for Taiwan.
The situation around Taiwan escalated following Pelosi's recent visit to Taipei. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contact with the island.
Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.
