The highly anticipated meeting between Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco concluded with significant agreements aimed at restoring bilateral relations and promoting multilateralism. One of the key outcomes was the restoration of high-level military-to-military communications, a move that underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining open channels and preventing misunderstandings that could escalate tensions.
During the summit, both leaders outlined guiding principles addressing major areas of concern, including developing a correct understanding of each other's policies, properly managing differences, and strengthening dialogue and cooperation. Additionally, the establishment of a working group was agreed upon to focus on relevant areas of mutual interest.
Chinese Premier Xi Jinping emphasized that for two major countries like China and the United States, turning away from each other is not a viable option. He highlighted that conflict and confrontation would have unbearable consequences for both sides. Echoing this sentiment, President Biden remarked that \"vital miscalculations on either side can cause real, real problems,\" during his press conference following the meeting.
The diplomatic engagement between Xi and Biden is crucial in addressing longstanding issues that have previously led to confrontations, including the Taiwan question, export controls, sanctions, and investment screening. By engaging in constructive dialogue, both leaders are taking steps to resolve these differences and prevent future conflicts.
The summit also builds upon recent efforts to keep communication channels open, marked by high-level official visits such as California Governor Gavin Newsom's trip to China, a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the White House. These interactions aim to foster common understandings and promote cooperation across various levels, moving away from zero-sum approaches like confrontation and decoupling.
In addition to mending bilateral relations, the Xi-Biden meeting injects optimism into the broader landscape of multilateralism. Both leaders reached consensus on addressing common global challenges, signaling a collaborative approach to issues that transcend national borders.
Overall, the Xi-Biden summit represents a positive and pivotal moment in reshaping U.S.-China relations, offering a pathway towards enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reference(s):
Xi-Biden meeting: Fix bilateral relations, strengthen multilateralism
cgtn.com
