Chinese President Xi Jinping asked his American counterpart Joe Biden to develop “healthy and stable” relations. He did it during a virtual meeting that both held this Monday night in Argentina, in order to bring positions closer between two countries that are trying to gradually rebuild their diplomatic ties.
During the summit, which took place after two telephone conversations between the presidents, last September, Xi emphasized that a relationship under those terms “is necessary for promote development respective of both countries and for safeguard a peaceful and stable international environment, including finding effective responses to global challenges such as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic. “
In parallel, he stated that “China and the United States must respect each other, coexist in peace, cooperate, properly manage internal affairs and assume their international responsibilities. “
The president of the Asian country also expressed to his North American counterpart his predisposition to work together to “build consensus” and “take steps” to improve bilateral relations between the two nations.
The virtual summit between the two presidents could be seen in different public spaces. Photo Tingshu Wang / Reuters
Always in the same direction, Xi stressed that “China and the United States are at a critical stage of their development” and that both countries have the obligation to maintain a “peaceful and stable” international order.
“As the two largest economies in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the US need to strengthen communication and cooperation, handle their respective internal affairs well, while at the same time assuming their due international responsibilities and working together to advance the noble cause of world peace and development, “Xi said.
According to the Chinese president, the joint work between the United States and China reflects “a desire shared by our two peoples and those around the world, and the joint mission of the Chinese and American leaders.”
In previous phone talks, Biden and Xi had admitted their responsibility to ensure that “competition” between their respective countries “does not lead to conflict.”
A strained relationship
The meeting came after Biden criticized the absence of Xi Jinping - who has not left China for two years due to the pandemic - in important international meetings and at a time when the Chinese president strengthens his control over the regime.
Relations between the two powers collapsed during the presidency of Donald Trump (2017-2021), who launched a trade war against China while attacking Beijing for its handling of the pandemic.
Yes OK the tone improved with the arrival of Biden to the White House, the relationship between Washington and Beijing is very tense, for Taiwan and a wide range of human rights and trade issues.
The greetings between the leaders, in the virtual meeting they held. Photo Yue Yuewei / Xinhua via AP
The fate of Taiwan is currently generating the most tension, given an intensification of Chinese military activities with a record number of incursions into the island’s air defense zone.
The tension was evident over the weekend, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, had a lively exchange.
With information from EFE and Xinhua.
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