The United States and China have reached an agreement to collaborate on arranging a meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, following the US president’s meeting with China’s foreign minister on Friday.
In November, Biden extended an invitation to Xi to attend the Apec summit in San Francisco. As of now, the Chinese president has not given confirmation of his attendance.
The White House announced that Biden met with Wang Yi and other top US officials in Washington. Both nations have agreed to maintain “high-level diplomacy” in order to improve relations.
A statement from the White House declared that the two sides have “reconfirmed” their collaboration towards arranging a meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November.
According to a high-ranking government official, the White House is relying on Beijing to officially confirm Xi’s attendance, but they are still preparing for the possibility of a meeting.
According to the White House, Biden previously stated to Wang that the United States and China need to handle their competition in the relationship responsibly and keep communication channels open.
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, Biden emphasized the importance of cooperation between the US and China in tackling global issues.
Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, and Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, were in attendance. Wang visited Washington for two days and had separate meetings with Blinken and Sullivan, continuing the string of important interactions between the US and China.
Wang expressed his desire for improving US-China relations and decreasing misunderstandings during his meeting with Blinken on Thursday. He also stated that when there are disagreements, China will respond calmly, as they believe that what is right or wrong should not be determined by physical strength or vocal power.
For many years, there has been strained relations between the two largest economies in the world. They are competing for power and influence in the Asia-Pacific area and other regions. In an attempt to decrease the United States’ control, Beijing is strengthening its partnership with Russia.
Tensions have been elevated regarding Taiwan, a self-governed democracy that is also claimed by Beijing. In the past year, China has conducted significant military drills in reaction to actions taken by US lawmakers.
On Wednesday, Biden cautioned China about the United States’ commitment to its treaty with the Philippines. The Philippines claimed that Chinese ships intentionally collided with their boats in disputed waters, but Beijing has denied this.
In a joint appearance with Australia’s leader, a significant partner in the Asia-Pacific region, Biden pledged to engage in competition with China within the boundaries of international regulations, including in economic and political realms. However, he clarified that he is not seeking confrontation.
With Agence France-Presse
Source: theguardian.com
