(Washington) Joe Biden and Xi Jinping launched the much-anticipated Virtual Summit on Monday, stressing the need for “security” to avoid “conflict” between the two countries, and the Chinese president called for better “communication.”
During this exchange between Washington and Beijing, but the controversy over trade and human rights has escalated, Joe Biden promised that “competition between the two countries should not turn into a conflict, whether intentionally or unintentionally.”
“China and the United States need to improve their communication and cooperation,” Xi Jinping said, adding that he was pleased to see “his old friend” through the screens for the first time, while their previous two exchanges were made over the phone.
“I am ready to work with you,” the Chinese president continued.
Earlier in the day, White House spokeswoman Jen Zhaki said the talks between the two leaders, which began at 7.45pm Washington time, would last “a few hours.”
But in Washington, as in Beijing, expectations have been dashed, and the White House has warned that this should not lead to “firm conclusions.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Monday that the two leaders would exchange “open, in-depth and comprehensive views” on “standing at an important crossroads” on their bilateral relations.
Joe Biden wants to see in the flesh and blood the Chinese president who boasted that he was already a frequent visitor when Barack Obama was vice president.
But he should be satisfied with the virtual encounter with Xi Jinping, who has not left China for almost two years, citing health reasons.
If the tone has changed since Joe Biden came to power compared to the explosions of the Trump era, the relationship between Washington and Beijing remains very tense.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s fate is currently at the center of tension.
Chinese Government Daily Global Times In an editorial on Monday, he said, “To reduce the risk of a strategic conflict between China and the United States, the latter must step back from the Taiwan issue and show restraint. ”
A senior White House official condemned one of China’s “coercive and provocative behavior” cases against Taiwan, and stressed that Joe Biden would not fail to speak out on the matter “directly and openly.”
According to this source, the United States is accusing Beijing of economic practices and human rights abuses that are considered unfair by China.
However, Washington insists that the two major powers can co-operate in certain areas, such as the fight against climate change.
This virtual encounter takes place at a time when Xi Jinping is strengthening his hold on the regime.
The Communist Party of China passed a speech last week calling for “the whole party, the military and the people to unite more closely around the Central Committee that makes up Xi Jinping’s heart.”
During his meeting with Xi Jinping, Zhen Zhao felt that Joe Biden had come to a “strong position” despite his declining popularity, as the United States sought to revive its economy and strengthen its international alliances.
The U.S. president is facing a very divisive political landscape, and an epidemic he is fighting to eradicate, announcing to China on Monday a massive infrastructure plan that would allow the United States to “win the competition” of XXI.e Century.
At the end of his speech, the US President repeated one of his favorite phrases: “It is never a good idea to bet against the American people. ”
