Biden and Xi Jinping Engage in 3-Hour Heated Debate on Taiwan, Trade Conflicts, and Human Rights (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] On the 16th, the leaders of the US and China held discussions for over three hours on issues including bilateral relations, Taiwan, trade, and human rights, marking the first such meeting since President Joe Biden took office.

President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on the need for communication between the two countries but stood firmly opposed on key issues such as the Taiwan matter and trade conflicts.

Regarding the Taiwan issue, which has seen intensified diplomatic and military tensions, both expressed positions of 'maintaining the status quo' and 'firm action if the red line is crossed.'

On trade conflicts, President Biden emphasized adherence to international rules, while President Xi argued that attacks on Chinese companies should cease.

However, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining communication channels and continuing dialogue to manage strategic risks.

The agenda item that took the most time during this summit was the 'Taiwan issue.'

According to the White House and China's Xinhua News Agency, President Biden stated, "The United States has long and consistently implemented the 'One China' policy and does not support Taiwan independence," while strongly opposing unilateral actions that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

In response, President Xi took a hardline stance, saying, "If Taiwan independence and separatist forces provoke and even cross the red line, we will be forced to take resolute measures." He described Taiwan's independence attempts as a "very dangerous fireplay" and vowed to firmly respond to provocations by Taiwan independence forces.

On another contentious issue, 'trade conflicts,' the two leaders found common ground on their responsibility to the world but differed on how to resolve the issues.

President Biden said, "All countries must be governed by rules," pointing out that China should operate its businesses and engage in international trade according to international rules.

President Xi stated, "The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual prosperity," and emphasized, "Businesspeople should only talk about business," clearly opposing the politicization of trade issues. His remarks were interpreted as targeting US sanctions on Chinese companies like Huawei, citing national security concerns.

The two leaders also clashed over human rights issues.

President Biden expressed concerns about China's practices in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, highlighting human rights issues.

President Xi emphasized, "Civilizations are diverse, and democracy is also diverse," adding, "Democracy is not a one-size-fits-all product. The whole world does not have the same model and standards."

He continued, "China wants to discuss human rights issues on the basis of mutual respect but does not support interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights," and countered, "Rejecting different forms of democracy itself is an undemocratic act."

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