"Not Seeking Conflict with China," Biden to Meet Xi Jinping Amid 'Absolute Power Consolidation' Concerns

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 26th (local time) regarding China policy, "We must maintain military advantages, but it must also be clear that we are not seeking conflict." There is growing speculation that he may hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who recently secured a third term, during next month's G20 summit.

According to the White House, during a meeting with U.S. Department of Defense leaders including Secretary Lloyd Austin, President Biden said in his remarks, "We are pursuing fierce competition, but it does not have to be conflict." He also said, "We have a responsibility to manage the increasingly intense competition with China."

This aligns with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's briefing earlier, stating, "President Biden and the U.S. government are focused on cooperating with China in areas where U.S. and global interests align while responsibly managing competition."

President Biden emphasized, "As stated in the National Security Strategy (NSS), this is a decisive decade because the world is changing," adding, "We must respond to the increasing competition among great powers while also addressing global challenges affecting billions of lives, such as climate change and health security." He further added, "We will build alliances through diplomacy, respond to global challenges, and lead."

Notably, these remarks on China come shortly after President Xi secured a third term, effectively establishing an absolute power structure, drawing attention. While President Biden draws a line against conflict with China and emphasizes 'responsible competition management,' there is also growing expectation for the restoration of dialogue between the two countries on issues outside strategic competition. It is speculated that a U.S.-China summit could take place during the November G20 summit to discuss this. President Biden also expressed last month his willingness to meet Xi if he attends the G20 summit.

However, on the same day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern that China might increase pressure on Taiwan, including the use of force, following Xi's third term. After suggesting the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan at a Bloomberg event, he confirmed the policy of not wanting a Cold War with China but standing firm for U.S. interests.

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