Beijing, April 03, 2024, The Europe Today: Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a candid and in-depth conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden over the phone on Tuesday, at the request of the latter. The leaders exchanged views on vital aspects of China-U.S. relations and various matters of mutual interest, setting the tone for future interactions between the two nations.
President Xi emphasized the pivotal nature of the meeting he had with President Biden in San Francisco last November, which laid the foundation for a forward-looking vision in bilateral relations. Reflecting on subsequent efforts by officials from both sides to implement the understandings reached at that meeting, President Xi observed a stabilization in China-U.S. relations, a development welcomed by both societies and the international community. However, he also highlighted the growing negative factors in the relationship, underscoring the need for attentive management by both sides.
Addressing the fundamental issue of strategic perception in China-U.S. relations, President Xi likened it to the essential button on a shirt, emphasizing that the two nations should avoid severing ties or escalating conflicts. Instead, he advocated for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, stressing the importance of maintaining stability, credibility, and peace in bilateral relations.
President Xi outlined three overarching principles to guide China-U.S. relations in 2024: valuing peace, prioritizing stability, and upholding credibility. He reiterated that the Taiwan question remains a red line that must not be crossed, urging the U.S. to translate its commitment to not supporting “Taiwan independence” into concrete actions.
President Biden echoed the sentiment that the U.S.-China relationship is of paramount importance globally. He highlighted the progress achieved since the San Francisco meeting, emphasizing the possibility of advancing cooperation while prudently managing differences. President Biden reaffirmed that the United States does not seek conflict or a new Cold War with China, and it respects the one-China policy.
Both leaders also exchanged views on various global issues, including the Ukraine crisis and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. They expressed satisfaction with the candid and constructive nature of the phone call and agreed to maintain communication. Additionally, they tasked their teams with implementing the San Francisco vision, enhancing consultation mechanisms, and promoting cooperation in diverse areas.
The phone call underscores the commitment of both China and the United States to constructive engagement and dialogue, as they seek to navigate complex challenges and build a stable relationship for the mutual benefit of both nations and the world.
