“No Substitute: Biden and Xi Face the Issues Together

Following his first international meeting as US President, Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have concluded talks on issues ranging from trade to climate change and human rights. In a joint statement, the two leaders expressed their intention to “follow a constructive and cooperative path” and acknowledged that their countries’ relationship “faces serious challenges.” They committed to learning from experiences, resolving differences through dialogue, and supporting world peace and stability. The meeting is significant as it marks the highest-level contact between the US and China since President Biden took office. Biden’s approach to China has been different from his predecessor, Donald Trump. During the talks, Biden expressed his willingness to work with Xi on issues of common concern, while also recognizing US concerns about China’s practices in trade, human rights, and other areas. Throughout the talks, the two leaders discussed the need for a “stable and predictable” trade relationship that benefits both economies, as well as potential concerns about China’s human rights record and the development of its military presence in the South China Sea. At the conclusion of the meeting, Biden said he and Xi did not “solve all the problems that exist between the United States and China,” but that they had a “candid” and “substantive” discussion. He went on to say, “It was clear to both of us that in the long run, there is no substitute for face-to-face dialogue on the issues facing us and China.” The meeting laid the groundwork for future US-China relations and both leaders committed to deepening cooperation and managing differences between their nations in a proactive and cooperative manner. While the meeting showed a desire on both sides to work together, only time will tell how the relationship between the two countries evolves. As US-China tensions remain high, the international community will be closely watching the outcome of these talks. Following his first international meeting as US President, Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have concluded talks on issues ranging from trade to climate change and human rights. In a joint statement, the two leaders expressed their intention to “follow a constructive and cooperative path” and acknowledged that their countries’ relationship “faces serious challenges.” They committed to learning from experiences, resolving differences through dialogue, and supporting world peace and stability. The meeting is significant as it marks the highest-level contact between the US and China since President Biden took office. Biden’s approach to China has been different from his predecessor, Donald Trump. During the talks, Biden expressed his willingness to work with Xi on issues of common concern, while also recognizing US concerns about China’s practices in trade, human rights, and other areas. Throughout the talks, the two leaders discussed the need for a “stable and predictable” trade relationship that benefits both economies, as well as potential concerns about China’s human rights record and the development of its military presence in the South China Sea. At the conclusion of the meeting, Biden said he and Xi did not “solve all the problems that exist between the United States and China,” but that they had a “candid” and “substantive” discussion. He went on to say, “It was clear to both of us that in the long run, there is no substitute for face-to-face dialogue on the issues facing us and China.” The meeting laid the groundwork for future US-China relations and both leaders committed to deepening cooperation and managing differences between their nations in a proactive and cooperative manner. While the meeting showed a desire on both sides to work together, only time will tell how the relationship between the two countries evolves. As US-China tensions remain high, the international community will be closely watching the outcome of these talks.