The two leaders noted the rapprochement between their countries, continuing their desire for appeasement in an explosive international context. No strong announcements were made but the discussions were constructive, even if the situation in Taiwan remains a subject of tension.
A rapprochement, but still marked differences. American President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping renewed dialogue on Wednesday, November 15, within the framework of of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit being held in the United States. The two leaders spoke for four hours and confirmed the warming of relations between the two superpowers, arguing that they could pick up the phone and talk to each other “directly and immediately” in the event of a crisis.
And this, even if Joe Biden maintained his remarks about his counterpart, whom he equates to “a dictator. In the sense that here is a man who leads a communist country which is based on a form of government totally different from ours. This statement did not fail to provoke a reaction from Beijing, which on Thursday judged this description “extremely wrong”calling it “irresponsible political manipulation” according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Franceinfo summarizes the announcements made during this summit meeting.
Communication: dialogue between the two countries must continue
The aim of this meeting was to validate the rapprochement between the two countries. The objective was achieved if we are to believe the leaders. Joe Biden first congratulated for participating in the discussions “the most constructive and productive we have had”. They agreed to “keep the lines of communication open.” “Including between President Xi and myself, said the American president. He and I agreed that each of us could pick up the phone, call directly and it would be heard immediately.”
“I believe that once the door of Sino-US relations is opened, it will not be closed”added Xi Jinping to business professionals gathered in San Francisco.
Militarization: avoiding a “hot war” or a “cold war”
The American president called, at the start of the meeting, to manage the rivalry between the two states in a manner “responsible”For “ensure that it does not degenerate into conflict”. In this sense, the two leaders recorded the resumption of “high-level military communications on the basis of equality and respect”added the New China news agency. “Whatever stage of development we may reach, we will never seek hegemony or expansion, and will never impose our will on others”said Xi Jinping.
“China does not seek spheres of influence and will not wage a hot or cold war against any country.”
Xi Jinping, Chinese Presidentin a meeting with American professionals
China does not seek to “surpass or oust the United States”specified the Chinese leader, stressing that “the United States should not attempt to suppress and subdue China”. He warned of the consequences “unbearable” of a confrontation and considered that the two countries could not “to turn your back”.
Diplomacy: Taiwan remains the main point of tension
Xi Jinping, for whom a reunification of China and Taiwan “will be carried out” because “inevitable”urged his American counterpart Joe Biden to put an end to US interference. “The United States must translate its position against ‘Taiwan independence’ into concrete actions, stop arming Taiwan and support the peaceful reunification of China”declared the Chinese leader, according to a report transmitted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
For his part, Joe Biden called for respect for the electoral process in Taiwan. He shared the “determination” from Washington “to uphold peace and stability” on the island. He confirmed the deliberately ambiguous line of the United States: no support for independence but refusal of a takeover by force.
Trade: China wants to establish healthy competition
China, whose economy is running out of steam, has called on the United States to reduce its actions regarding Chinese export controlsinvestments and unilateral sanctions that “seriously harm legitimate interests” from Beijing, reported the national news agency Xinhua.
“Suppressing Chinese science and technology is tantamount to hindering China’s high-quality development and depriving the Chinese people of their right to development”, added the Chinese leader. According to him, there is enough room for both powers.
“The planet is big enough for both our countries to prosper.”
Xi Jinping, Chinese Presidentaccording to the state agency Xinhua
“China will not embark on the old path of colonization and plunder, nor will it embark on the wrong path of hegemony that a country that becomes strong (follows)”declared Xi Jinping, according to New China.
Opioid crisis: China will help the United States fight against the ravages of Fentanyl
Xi Jinping agreed to take, according to the Americans, “a number of significant measures to significantly reduce supplies” in components of Fentanyl. This powerful synthetic opiate produced with chemical compounds originating in particular from China causes tens of thousands of overdoses each year in the United States. A welcome announcement for Joe Biden, for whom this opioid crisis is a national issue as he will begin campaigning for a second term.