US Holds Back on Comments as Xi Jinping Begins Third Term... Suggests Possibility of US-China Summit

John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 24th (local time), the White House in the United States drew a line by stating it would not comment on the internal politics related to the launch of Xi Jinping's third term in China, suggesting the possibility of a US-China summit.

According to Bloomberg News and others, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator, said in a Q&A with reporters that day, "We will not comment on the internal politics of the Chinese Communist Party. Of course, we acknowledge that they have made decisions regarding their leadership system." He added, "What we can say is that we intend to focus on responsibly managing competition with China and seeking ways to cooperate in areas such as climate change and health."

Kirby said, "It is unfortunate that China has cut off dialogue at all working levels," and added, "We will focus our security capabilities to respond to the challenges and threats China poses to security, not only elsewhere in the world but also in the Indo-Pacific."

Kirby emphasized, "We will keep communication channels open, including dialogue between leaders," and noted, "President Joe Biden has mentioned the possibility of a meeting with Chairman Xi during the G20 summit." He said, "Relevant internal work is underway, and there is nothing to announce about a specific meeting," but added, "The President has stated that he will discuss this matter internally."

Earlier, on the 6th of last month at the White House, when reporters asked President Biden if he planned to meet Chairman Xi at the G20 summit, he said, "If Chairman Xi comes, I am confident that I will meet him."

Since taking office last year, President Biden has contacted Chairman Xi five times via video calls and other means but has never held an in-person meeting.

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