US-China Leaders Rapidly Shift from 'Confrontation' to 'Dialogue': The Background

Biden "Guardrails Needed to Prevent Clashes" vs Xi Jinping "Mutual Respect, Peaceful Coexistence, and Win-Win Are Important"
Biden and Xi Jinping, Ahead of Major Political Events Next Year, Choose Stability Over Confrontation

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin, New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The first meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 10 months has raised expectations for improved bilateral relations. This summit is significant in that it has opened the door to dialogue.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Above all, as both leaders expressed their willingness to improve relations in their opening remarks, it is expected that the previously extreme confrontational stance in U.S.-China relations will ease for the time being.

◆ Biden: "U.S.-China Need Guardrails" = In his opening remarks at the summit, President Biden stated, "Both countries have a responsibility not to go into conflict," adding, "We need guardrails to prevent clashes between the two countries." He further said, "The U.S. and China are responsible not only to their own peoples but also to the world," emphasizing, "Each country must act according to rules, and the United States will defend its values." He also stressed, "I will discuss with President Xi the areas of concern to the U.S., from human rights to Indo-Pacific issues."

President Biden expressed hope for candid dialogue during the meeting, reiterating the importance of open and honest communication. He added that he looks forward to meeting President Xi face-to-face again in the future.

Biden's opening remarks can be interpreted as a commitment to avoid extreme confrontation and to cooperate where possible with China. This contrasts with his earlier public declaration after taking office that "America is back," which was accompanied by overt efforts to check China. Given the thorny path the two countries have walked, Biden's remarks reflect a willingness to improve bilateral relations.

◆ Xi Jinping: "U.S.-China Relations Should Be Win-Win" = In his opening remarks before the summit, President Xi began by saying, "Humanity faces many challenges," and responded, "China and the United States must strengthen communication and cooperation, take on international responsibilities, and jointly pursue the noble cause of peace."

He continued, "The development of humanity is a shared vision of all countries worldwide, including China and the United States, and the mission of the leaders of both countries."

President Xi stated, "China and the United States should respect each other, coexist peacefully, and cooperate for mutual benefit," adding, "I want to build consensus with President Biden and lead the positive development of U.S.-China relations."

This summit is seen as reflecting international concerns that extreme confrontation could potentially lead to conflict. Additionally, with inflation worries rising among major countries due to increasing international commodity prices, there appears to be a consensus that the U.S. and China need to cooperate economically.

◆ Expression of Willingness to Improve U.S.-China Relations = Judging from the leaders' opening remarks alone, U.S.-China relations appear to be in a thawing mode. Words related to China's core interests, such as the Xinjiang Uyghur human rights issue, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, did not appear in President Biden's remarks.

President Xi also strongly expressed his intention to improve relations with the U.S. by using terms like mutual respect, cooperation, and win-win. Although issues like Taiwan independence remain Achilles' heels in bilateral relations, it is possible that the Taiwan issue will not be on the agenda of the summit for the time being.

Some analysts evaluate that both the U.S. and China, facing significant political events next year, showed through this summit their intention to maintain stable relations rather than confrontation.

In fact, President Xi is preparing for the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February next year and the Hangzhou Asian Games, as well as the 20th Party Congress, which is a political event that will decide his reappointment. President Biden is also facing the midterm elections next year. Since both leaders need a stable environment, it appears they approached the summit with only matters they could exchange.

Economic issues are also a mountain both leaders must overcome together. Due to rising international commodity prices, the Western bloc including the U.S. faces inflation risks, while China is experiencing concerns over a slowdown in economic growth.

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