In a pivotal meeting held in Lima, Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden outlined a roadmap for the future of China-U.S. relations. Xi presented seven key points aimed at reviewing the past four years to draw valuable lessons, while also establishing four non-negotiable \"red lines\" that China insists must not be challenged.
Experts highlight that this meeting comes at a crucial time as the U.S. government undergoes a transition. The emphasized points are designed to shape the trajectory of bilateral relations, underscoring China's dedication to fostering stable, healthy, and sustainable ties regardless of changes in U.S. leadership. The four red lines identified by China focus on the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's development rights.
Commitment to Stable China-U.S. Ties
Zhou Wenxing, an associate professor at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University, commented that both leaders discussed their core demands and concerns, reaching a consensus on maintaining stable bilateral relations and ensuring peaceful coexistence.
\"This consensus is especially significant as Trump prepares to assume the presidency in 2025, providing a crucial foundation for maintaining stability in China-U.S. relations during the transitional period,\" Zhou stated.
Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China and senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, noted that the outcomes of the meeting are a significant part of Biden's political legacy. For the incoming Trump administration, these outcomes serve as a guide, emphasizing that opposing China will neither contain its growth nor benefit the U.S.
\"China's four red lines clearly outline its fundamental bottom lines to the U.S.,\" Wang explained. \"China's proactive expression of its stance demonstrates increasing strategic initiative in managing bilateral relations.\" He added that by emphasizing shared responsibilities as major powers, China positions itself on higher moral ground.
Over the past four years, Xi and Biden have worked to ease tensions on various issues, from trade to security. This meeting marked their second face-to-face encounter since a California meeting last year and their third overall.
Xi emphasized that while differences between major powers like China and the U.S. are inevitable, neither side should undermine the other's core interests or seek conflict. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas such as trade, public health, climate change response, artificial intelligence, and addressing global conflicts, urging enhanced dialogue to achieve win-win outcomes.
Positive Signal to the Global Community
Experts agree that despite the Biden administration nearing the end of its term, the meeting sends a positive signal by alleviating global anxiety, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zhou pointed out that Trump's return could introduce uncertainty into bilateral relations. Combined with the global economic slowdown and ongoing conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, this adds to the unpredictability in global politics.
\"President Xi's meeting with Biden demonstrates that China and the U.S. can resolve their differences and avoid conflict, sending a strong message of stability and positive prospects for their relationship,\" Zhou said, adding that this also helps reduce global anxiety.
Wang mentioned that Trump's primary focus is likely to be on revitalizing the domestic U.S. economy.
\"The recent meeting essentially sets the tone for the future: a contest centered on domestic development,\" Wang noted. He added that the meeting signals to future U.S. administrations that suppressing China will not hinder its growth but will harm the U.S.' international image.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
