Xi asserts that the Earth provides ample space for both the United States and China to prosper, expressing this sentiment during his meeting with Biden

16 Nov, 2023

Xi asserts that the Earth provides ample space for both the United States and China to prosper, expressing this sentiment during his meeting with Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met outside San Francisco in their first face-to-face encounter in a year. The summit, part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, aimed to enhance high-level communication amid ongoing tensions.

Biden emphasized the need to prevent competition from escalating into conflict, addressing global challenges such as climate change, counternarcotics, and artificial intelligence. Discussions were expected to cover issues like curbing fentanyl flows, responsible AI use, and U.S. restrictions on Chinese access to high-end technology.

In his opening remarks, Xi highlighted the significance of cooperation, stating that turning away from each other was not an option for large countries like China and the United States. He expressed confidence that the Earth is vast enough for both nations to succeed.

Positive signals emerged before the summit, with the U.S. and China reaffirming their commitment to collaborate on climate issues. Additionally, increased direct flights between the two countries and recent agreements for Chinese importers to buy U.S. agricultural products signaled goodwill.

China's Ministry of Commerce acknowledged concerns about unequal treatment of foreign businesses in the country, a longstanding issue. The summit provided an opportunity for addressing such disparities. Reports also suggested that China might announce a commitment to resume purchases of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft during the event.

Xi's visit, his first to the U.S. since 2017, marked a significant diplomatic move. The last in-person meeting between Xi and Biden occurred in Bali in November 2022. Biden, seeking reelection, engaged in his first meeting with Xi as the American president during that encounter.

Xi solidified his position in March, securing an unprecedented third term as president. The summit, against the backdrop of global challenges and trade dynamics, holds importance for shaping the trajectory of U.S.-China relations in the coming years.