US White House: Biden to Raise Direct and Candid Concerns with Xi Jinping

President Joe Biden [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The White House announced that during the virtual summit scheduled for the 15th between the U.S. and China, President Joe Biden will raise his concerns directly and candidly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The White House also reaffirmed that this meeting is intended to responsibly manage the intense competition between the two countries to prevent it from escalating into a conflict.

A senior U.S. official said during a phone briefing on the afternoon of the 14th (local time), one day before the summit, "This meeting is not about agreeing on concrete outcomes but about efforts to responsibly manage competition."

The official added, "First, President Biden will explain his approach to China," and said, "He will talk about the importance of keeping competition within the guardrails of common sense, keeping communication channels open, and ensuring that our dialogue is substantive rather than symbolic."

He continued, "Second, President Biden will discuss areas where the two countries have differing positions," emphasizing that Biden will convey his concerns about China in a very direct and candid manner.

He cited threats to the rules-based international order, unfair economic practices, human rights abuses, and coercive and provocative actions related to Taiwan as examples.

He also noted that cooperation on transnational issues such as climate change and health will be part of the discussion.

The official stated, "The Biden administration is not trying to change China through bilateral negotiations," adding, "We do not see that as realistic. Rather, we are trying to create an international environment that is favorable to us, our allies, and partners."

While the official was generally reluctant to provide detailed explanations about the specific agenda of the summit, he said regarding Taiwan, "It is certainly expected to be a topic of conversation," and "Our policy is consistent, and the President is expected to reaffirm this."

He also mentioned that supply chain crises or tariffs are not expected to be major agenda items at the summit.

President Biden will hold his first virtual summit with President Xi on the evening of the 15th. In Korean time, this will be the morning of the 16th, and a sharp debate is expected over comprehensive conflict issues including security, economy, human rights, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.

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