Successful Talks Between Biden and Xi Result in Agreements on Fentanyl and Military Communication
Biden lauds successful talks with Xi, highlighting progress on fentanyl control and military communication Despite remaining strains, the US-China relationship shows signs of improvement, as both leaders navigate a delicate political balance
US President Joe Biden expressed optimism after a four-hour meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, stating that the tense relationship between the US and China was showing signs of improvement. He highlighted the agreements made regarding the reduction of fentanyl production and the reestablishment of military communication. However, Biden acknowledged that significant challenges still exist. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, with both leaders committing to engage in phone conversations during times of disagreement. Overall, Biden characterized the talks as highly constructive and productive.
However, upon concluding the summit and holding a news conference, Biden reaffirmed his belief that Xi remains a dictator, even though they had made some advancements throughout their meeting.
The anticipated outcomes regarding fentanyl and military communication serve as significant steps forward in enhancing the somewhat strained relationship between Washington and Beijing. In his post-summit press briefing, Biden succinctly outlined his approach towards the Chinese leader.
"Trust but verify, as the old saying goes," he stated, emphasizing his position.
Biden's objective for the meeting was to establish a more stable foundation for the US-China relationship, which had been strained for several months due to tensions between the two influential nations. Prior to the discussions, US officials took caution in setting expectations, clarifying that they were not anticipating an extensive list of results or even a customary joint leaders statement typically issued at such summits.
The talks aimed at reestablishing communication channels, particularly within the military, to prevent any misunderstandings or miscalculations that could potentially escalate into a full-fledged conflict.
"I am committed to ensuring a rational and controllable approach to avoid any conflicts. That is my main focus," Biden stated after the meeting.
Biden announced that China has committed to targeting companies that manufacture precursor chemicals for fentanyl, a potent narcotic that has contributed to a severe drug crisis in the US. The United States will closely monitor China's actions to ensure they fulfill the promises made during the summit. The president expressed gratitude for Xi's dedication to this matter and emphasized that this agreement would ultimately save lives.
Xi also consented to establishing mechanisms to address possible military misjudgments and agreed to create platforms for both sides to express their apprehensions. Senior officials from the Biden administration revealed before the summit on Wednesday that their Chinese counterparts had displayed hesitance in recent months regarding the re-establishment of military-to-military communications.
However, the significance of military-to-military communications was emphasized by Biden himself and his key advisors, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during numerous discussions with the Chinese. This was in an effort to convey the absolute necessity of re-establishing this channel. The Chinese spy balloon incident, in particular, highlighted the importance of such communications, according to US officials.
Trying to keep tension from tipping into conflict
Although they developed a close and seemingly affectionate personal bond while serving as vice presidents, Biden even extending birthday greetings to Xi's wife during the summit, the two leaders have presided over a significant decline in US-China relations, plunging to their lowest point in decades.
The discussions in California were characterized by a high level of directness and featured more interactive dialogue between the two leaders compared to their meeting last year, as stated by a senior US official. The US president openly addressed numerous topics with Xi, while Xi expressed his concerns about the rhetoric regarding China within the United States. Based on statements from US officials and Chinese state media, it seems that both leaders engaged in a very honest and straightforward exchange.
According to Chinese state media, Xi urged the United States to refrain from plotting against or restricting China. The readout from China's state news agency, Xinhua, quoted Xi stating that China has no intentions of surpassing or replacing the United States, and therefore, the United States should avoid schemes to suppress or contain China.
During their discussion on Taiwan, the men engaged in a significant dialogue, with Xi emphasizing that the island posed the most significant and perilous issue in US-China relations. Xi expressed China's preference for a peaceful reunification and outlined the circumstances under which force might be used. In response, Biden reaffirmed the US stance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
According to a statement released by Xinhua, President Xi stated, "While peace is certainly important, we must eventually strive for a more comprehensive resolution." Xi also called on the US to cease providing military assistance to Taiwan and to support China's efforts towards a peaceful reunification.
During the meeting, the US urged China to show respect for Taiwan's electoral process leading up to the January vote. Although there are ongoing concerns regarding China's significant military buildup near Taiwan, American officials left the meeting with the belief that Xi was not preparing for a large-scale invasion.
"I want to emphasize that my stance remains the same, as well as that of previous presidents. We have an agreement to uphold the One China policy, and I have no intentions of altering that. That position remains unchanged," stated Biden to accompanying reporters in San Francisco. "That's essentially the extent of our discussion on the matter."
Other areas of discussion
According to a senior US official, the exchange between Biden and Xi regarding the war between Israel and Hamas was characterized by Biden primarily speaking while Xi primarily listened. Biden urged Xi to utilize China's influence with Iran in order to discourage any further escalation. During the discussions, Foreign Minister Wang Yi mentioned that they had already engaged in talks with the Iranians concerning this matter.
Bidens aides were unsure of Iran's level of seriousness regarding China's messages. During the discussions, Biden emphasized his belief that Hamas should be viewed separately from the Palestinians.
During a conversation about the limitations imposed by the US on exporting technology to China, Xi compared these measures to "technological containment." Biden directly responded by stating that the US had no intention of supplying China with technology that could be used against it in military capacities.
Biden also expressed his concerns directly to Xi regarding the harassment faced by American businesses in China, according to the official.
During their conversation, the two leaders also delved into the topic of artificial intelligence and reached an agreement to collaborate and advance together in this emerging technology.
Biden emphasized the significance of China enhancing its transparency regarding nuclear matters during his conversation with Xi, considering China's rapid expansion of its arsenal.
According to the official, Biden did not hold back in his remarks, highlighting that Xi encounters minimal opposition within the Chinese system. The official also mentioned that the US president maintained a "respectful" yet "clear" approach.
A highly choreographed meeting
Amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and with an upcoming reelection campaign, Biden aimed to prevent any further crises erupting during his tenure. His objective was to not only show the American public, but also directly convey to Xi, the importance of fostering a better relationship with Beijing that would benefit everyone involved.
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"It is crucial that you and I have a clear understanding of each other, as leaders, without any misunderstandings or miscommunication," Biden stated as their discussions commenced at a private property located south of San Francisco.
Subsequently, Xi shared his perspective on the intricate state of affairs between the United States and China.
"Planet Earth can accommodate the success of both nations," he stated.
The summit's visual aspects underwent meticulous negotiations by both parties, and the official reception at the estate was extensively choreographed. Biden, as the host of the gathering, took the lead in stepping out of the building to greet Xi. A red carpet was elegantly laid out, accompanied by Marine guards and flags representing both countries. Xi's black sedan arrived and halted at the carpet's end. With a smile, Xi emerged, and the two leaders shook hands, firmly clasping each other's wrists.
As the meeting commenced, Biden emphasized the importance of a genuine comprehension between himself and Xi.
Biden stressed that as leaders, they carry the duty to collaborate on various matters such as climate change, combating drug trafficking, and addressing artificial intelligence. He further asserted that the rivalry between the United States and China must not escalate into conflict.
Biden emphasized the importance of face-to-face discussions, stating that there is no alternative. He expressed his satisfaction with our direct and honest conversations.
Following Biden's remarks, Xi presented a more contrasting perspective on the relationship between the United States and China.
The China-US relationship has encountered numerous challenges and obstacles throughout its history, but it has consistently progressed despite these difficulties, as emphasized by the speaker through a translator. According to him, for two major nations like China and the United States, completely severing ties is not a viable solution. Attempting to change or influence the other side is impractical, and engaging in conflict and confrontation would have severe repercussions for both parties involved.
A political tight rope
"Competition" between the US and China is seemingly refuted by Xi, who asserts that he still holds the belief that major country competition is not the prevailing trend of current times. He maintains that this approach cannot effectively address the challenges faced by China, the United States, or the global community as a whole.
US officials have spent the majority of the past year preparing for the summit in order to rebuild diplomatic connections between the two countries. Sullivan has held three meetings with Wang with this goal in mind, and Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and US climate envoy John Kerry have all traveled to Beijing as well.
China has also made efforts in the opposite direction by sending its most senior officials, including the foreign minister, to the US to meet with their American counterparts. US officials have confirmed that discussions at a working level have been established with Beijing on topics that require delicate handling, such as arms control and maritime issues.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that in recent months, there have been indicators in Washington that the Chinese government is increasingly recognizing the benefits of bilateral collaboration to enhance communication channels and address potential misconceptions.
Nevertheless, while President Biden was making arrangements for the summit scheduled for Wednesday, Republicans raised concerns regarding his choice to pursue a meeting with President Xi. Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and a candidate for the GOP presidential nomination, asserted that Biden had "pleaded" for the meeting.
Republicans on a House select committee on China conveyed their concerns to Biden in a letter, emphasizing that he must address issues such as the unlawful detention of Americans and the manufacturing of fentanyl by Xi Jinping's administration.
Biden and his team are fully cognizant of the political context surrounding his meeting. Sullivan remarked that Biden is actively seeking effective methods to demonstrate to the American public that engaging in dialogue with Xi Jinping can safeguard American interests while also making tangible progress on the priorities of the American people.
This story has been updated with additional developments on Wednesday.
