8 Years Ago 'Old Friends' to Cold Relations... Biden and Xi Jinping's History of Love and Hate

Vice Premier Si, "My Longtime Friend" to Vice President Biden Found in 2013
Now a Cold Relationship Amid US-China Tensions... Biden: "We're Just Professional"

Xi Jinping (left) visiting the United States in February 2012, with Biden smiling and resting his hand on his shoulder
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] "They shared noodle dishes together in Beijing, engaged in serious conversations on the Tibetan Plateau reflecting on the meaning of the United States, and mutually agreed on the need to expand mutual respect."

The protagonists of this story, which could have come from American and Chinese tourists, are none other than U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Associated Press highlighted this story, emphasizing that "in the past, President Biden focused on strengthening his relationship with President Xi, believing that building good relations with foreign leaders is the beginning of good diplomacy."

The friendship between President Biden and President Xi dates back to the early 2010s when they were Vice President and Vice Chairman, respectively.

On December 4, 2013, President Xi hosted a dinner for then U.S. Vice President Biden during his visit to China, saying, "Vice President Joe Biden, once again, a warm welcome to China. You are my longtime friend."

Vice President Biden responded by describing his relationship with President Xi as a 'friendship.'

They began building a genuine friendship when Xi was Vice Chairman, and Biden left a deep impression on the Chinese people with his characteristic affability.

A representative example is when Vice President Biden visited China in August 2011 and held talks with his counterpart, Vice Chairman Xi.

Xi emphasized, "In a complex and rapidly changing world, cooperation is the right path for both countries." Biden responded, "Nothing is more important than a close relationship with China."

After their meeting, Biden visited a modest restaurant in Beijing, ate noodles, and mingled with Chinese citizens. At the time, Chinese media praised this as 'noodle diplomacy' and responded favorably.

The New York Times (NYT) reported in July last year that Biden met Xi at least eight times over 18 months starting in early 2011, traveling back and forth between the U.S. and China, spending over 25 hours dining together with only interpreters present.

Daniel Russell, an aide who accompanied them several times, told the NYT that Biden quickly established a personal connection with Xi.

President Biden has also openly highlighted his relationship with President Xi. At a town hall event last month, he said, "I have spent more time with Xi Jinping than with any other leader in the world."

Although they called each other 'good friends' and built personal ties, the situation changed after each became their country's leader. Facing international political realities, they now have no choice but to view each other from a pragmatic perspective beyond personal friendship.

Amid intensifying U.S.-China competition, much of the warmth of their friendship has faded.

When asked in June whether he would request President Xi, as an 'old friend to old friend,' to allow a World Health Organization investigation team, President Biden bluntly replied, "Let's be clear. We know each other well. We are not old friends. It's purely a business (relationship)."

While emphasizing his understanding of President Xi, he drew a clear line separating personal friendship from their current relationship.

The first virtual summit between President Biden and President Xi, held on the evening of the 15th Eastern Time and the morning of the 16th Korean Time, is more likely to end as a sharp debate prioritizing national interests rather than a warm reunion of 'old friends' who have become leaders of great powers over time.

President Biden has already declared his intention to raise direct and candid concerns with China. President Xi is also expected to stand firm in areas he considers core interests without backing down.

According to the AP, White House officials have already lowered expectations ahead of the summit. In fact, no joint statement from the two countries is scheduled.

Matthew Goodman, a former National Security Council (NSC) member during the Barack Obama administration, said, "When discussing U.S.-China relations, the differences between the two countries are so severe that the past friendship between the two leaders is no longer enough to overcome them."

However, President Biden has not yet given up hope. Considering their past friendship, he is looking forward to the summit serving as an opportunity to narrow the gap between the two sides, the AP reported.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "Looking back at their past relationship, President Biden believes he can have a more candid conversation with President Xi."

Moreover, since President Xi is focusing on the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year and securing long-term rule through the 20th Party Congress, the general expectation is that he will try to avoid high-intensity clashes with the U.S.

Showing potential for such relationship improvement, the two countries issued a 'surprise statement' during the recently concluded 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), agreeing to jointly cooperate on climate change response.

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