Biden Talks with Xi Jinping After 7 Months... "Striving to Keep Competition from Becoming Conflict" (Summary)

"Cooperation on Various Issues Including Climate Change and COVID-19"
Biden Also Expresses Interest in Indo-Pacific Regional Security

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss U.S.-China conflicts and agreed to make efforts to avoid disputes.

On the 9th (local time), the White House stated that during the conversation, President Biden and President Xi "engaged in broad strategic discussions on areas where U.S. interests are concentrated and areas where U.S. interests, values, and perspectives diverge."

The White House also announced that "President Biden and President Xi agreed to cooperate on various agendas including economic issues, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic."

Furthermore, it explained, "As President Biden clearly stated, this discussion is part of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. to responsibly manage competition with China."

Additionally, the White House said that President Biden emphasized America's continued interest in peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The White House emphasized, "The two leaders discussed the responsibility of both countries to ensure that competition does not turn into conflict."

Chinese local media also reported that during the leaders' phone call, "The two leaders had a sincere dialogue" and "Both countries agreed to establish a regular communication channel and form working groups to continue consultations on major issues."

This was the first direct conversation between the U.S. and Chinese leaders in seven months since their first phone call in February this year.

Since that call, the two countries have held several high-level meetings to continue discussions on climate change and COVID-19 response.

However, tensions have risen between the two countries over various human rights issues, including the theory that COVID-19 originated in China and the forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

President Biden recently stated at a press conference following the withdrawal from Afghanistan, "Responding to the threat posed by China's rise is more urgent," indicating a shift in diplomatic priorities from the Middle East to China.

In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the U.S., saying, "Do not expect us to cooperate while the U.S. acts with the intention to suppress China."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.