Biden and XI Hold a Virtual Meeting Amid US-China Tensions

Amid the US and China’s deteriorating bilateral relationship, Biden initiates a virtual bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to ease the tensions between the two global hegemons. Biden hoped to have a candid conversation about human rights and security issues. Xi said that China was “ready to move US-China relations forward in a positive direction”.

At the heart of the meeting were issues pertaining to human rights and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the prime subject matter that becomes the biggest point of contention is the issue of Taiwan. Whereas Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province, democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state. The US has been increasingly vocal about its commitment to defend Taiwan if China attacked Taiwan. 

Xi said it was important that both countries respected each other and required a “steady relationship”. He added that he was happy to see his “old friend” Biden. He further elaborated that the two sides must increase communication and cooperation to solve the common challenges they face, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For his part, Biden said, “Maybe I should start more formally, although you and I have never been that formal with one another,” He added that both men had “always communicated with one another very honestly and candidly”, adding “we never walk away wondering what the other man is thinking”.

In a statement released on Friday, the White House said “the two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align”.

A good US-China relationship is imperative for the world in achieving world peace.