During a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping cautioned the US to “make the wise choice” in order to keep relations between the two countries stable. The meeting, which took place on Monday, was seen as a crucial moment in US-China relations as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.
Xi’s comments come at a time when the US has been increasing pressure on China over a range of issues, including human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Taiwan, and cybersecurity. The Biden administration has also been critical of China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
During the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries, stating that “we must not let our differences derail our overall relations.” He also called for a return to dialogue and cooperation in order to address global challenges such as climate change and the pandemic.
President Biden, for his part, reiterated the US’s commitment to a “stable, predictable relationship” with China. He expressed his concerns over China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region and its human rights abuses, but also highlighted areas where the two countries could work together, such as climate change and non-proliferation.
The meeting between the two leaders comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China. The Biden administration has taken a tough stance on China, with officials calling China the US’s “most serious competitor” and committing to push back against Beijing’s aggressive actions.
Despite the tensions, both President Biden and President Xi have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation in order to prevent further escalation of tensions. The outcome of the meeting remains to be seen, but it is clear that both countries recognize the importance of maintaining a stable relationship in order to address global challenges.
In the coming months, it will be crucial for the US and China to find common ground and work together on areas of mutual interest. By making the “wise choice” to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, the two countries can begin to address their differences and build a more stable relationship for the future.