*WOODSIDE, CALIFORNIA* — In a bid to manage the complex relationship between the world’s two largest economies, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in crucial talks on Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering. The leaders met at the Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside, California, just outside of San Francisco.
The leaders exchanged a handshake at the beginning of their bilateral meeting, emphasizing the significance of face-to-face discussions. President Biden highlighted the importance of clear communication to prevent competition from escalating into conflict. “I value our conversation because I think it’s paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication,” said President Biden.
Speaking through an interpreter, President Xi Jinping emphasized the critical nature of the China-U.S. relationship, calling it the most important bilateral relationship globally. He underscored that “turning our backs on each other is not an option.”
Unlike a one-on-one meeting, each leader was accompanied by about a dozen top aides in the grand room. President Biden is set to hold a solo press conference after the bilateral meeting, expected to last for several hours.
One of the primary goals of the Biden administration in this meeting is the resumption of military communications, which were suspended after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year. Diplomatic lines of communication have continued, but the restoration of military contacts is seen as crucial for crisis management.
A senior administration official emphasized the need for open communication, citing an incident involving a Chinese spy balloon crossing the U.S. without a reliable channel for communication. “We had no way really to communicate with the Chinese. That’s not responsible, and we hope to be able to at least take some preliminary steps tomorrow,” the official stated.
The meeting is President Biden’s second in-person encounter with President Xi Jinping since taking office. Their last meeting occurred in November 2022 in Bali, Indonesia.
While a range of topics is expected to be discussed, a senior administration official noted that the concentration of power by President Xi Jinping over the past several years has raised concerns. The official emphasized the importance of diplomacy at the highest level to influence change in the Chinese system.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighted the weeks of discussions leading to the meeting, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the two leaders. He expressed confidence that the conversation would be productive, frank, and constructive.
The White House outlined various goals for the summit, including increasing American investment in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting worker standards and environmental initiatives, and fostering a more inclusive economy in the region.
President Biden clarified that the U.S. is not seeking to decouple from China but rather aims to improve the relationship. Addressing concerns about trade secrets, he stated, “I’m not gonna’ continue to sustain the support for positions where if you want to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets.”
As the talks progress, the international community watches closely, mindful of the global implications of the relationship between these economic powerhouses.
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