Biden Meets Xi Jinping: "China Must Prevent North Korean Provocations"... Differences Confirmed on Taiwan and Other Issues (Summary)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden urged a 'role theory' at his first face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 14th (local time), calling on China to exert influence to ensure North Korea acts responsibly. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether China can control North Korea's provocations and confirmed that the U.S. itself can take additional defense measures. Through this meeting, the two leaders sent a signal to ease tensions between the two countries, but as initially expected, they showed differences over issues such as Taiwan.

◆ Biden Raises North Korean Nuclear Issue, "China Must Urge North Korea to Act Responsibly"... Also Hints at Additional Measures

According to the White House, President Biden held a separate press conference after his first face-to-face summit with President Xi in Bali, Indonesia, where the G20 summit was held. At this event, in response to questions about North Korea's nuclear issue, Biden emphasized, "I made it clear to President Xi that it is their obligation to ensure North Korea no longer engages in long-range missile launches." He also said, "This could mean taking additional defensive actions from our side, but this is not directed at China; it is a clear message to North Korea."

Earlier, as soon as the schedule for this meeting was confirmed, the U.S. stated that the North Korean nuclear issue would be on the agenda and declared, "If North Korea continues provocations, we will increase U.S. troops stationed in Northeast Asia." However, President Biden did not specify what additional defensive actions the U.S. would take.

President Biden stressed, "We will defend U.S. territory, U.S. assets, and our allies," adding, "While I cannot assert that China has the capability, I am confident that China does not want North Korea to engage in further provocations." He also said, "Since the beginning of my administration, I have made it clear that we will defend ourselves and our allies such as South Korea and Japan," emphasizing, "This is not because of China but because of North Korea."

The White House also confirmed in a separate statement that "President Biden expressed concern about North Korea's provocative actions and mentioned that all members of the international community are interested in urging North Korea to act responsibly." This was a call to China, which has been wary of the U.S. military's expanded presence in Northeast Asia amid estimates that North Korea's seventh nuclear test is imminent, to restrain North Korea's provocations.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

◆ Over Three Hours, Both Sides Sought to Identify 'Red Lines'... Tense Exchanges Over Taiwan

During the more than three-hour meeting, President Biden confirmed that the two leaders had an honest conversation. As previously announced, this implies that the dialogue was sufficient to identify each country's 'red lines' (limits).

Regarding Taiwan, which has long been considered China's red line, significant differences in positions were still confirmed. President Biden emphasized to President Xi that the 'One China' policy remains unchanged and opposed any unilateral changes by force. The White House stated, "President Biden made it clear that he opposes China's coercive and increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan," pointing out that "these actions undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region and threaten global prosperity."

On the other hand, President Xi stressed, "The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations," according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He absolutely rejected Taiwan independence, stating, "Achieving reunification and preserving territorial integrity is the common aspiration of the Chinese people and the nation. Cross-strait peace and stability and 'Taiwan independence' are like water and fire and cannot be reconciled."

President Xi's remarks on the Taiwan issue were toned down compared to last year's virtual summit when he said, "If you play with fire, you will burn yourself." However, by marking it as China's red line, he emphasized that China could respond with a strong stance at any time. This was effectively the biggest difference in position confirmed between the two leaders.

On the economic front, President Biden also raised ongoing concerns about China's non-market economic practices harming the U.S. and the world. In response, President Xi criticized the U.S. approach, saying, "Starting trade wars or technology wars, building walls, and pushing for decoupling and supply chain disruptions violate market economy principles and undermine international trade rules."

The issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Russia's nuclear threat was also mentioned. The White House stated that the two leaders agreed that nuclear war must never happen and opposed the use or threat of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

◆ "New Cold War Unnecessary" Emphasizing Competition Over Conflict... Some Cooperation Expected

This U.S.-China summit was held after both leaders completed domestic political events directly related to their standing at home, drawing attention as a moment to gauge the future direction of U.S.-China relations during Biden's second term and Xi's third term. Notably, President Biden had already sent a message early on that he wanted "competition, not conflict" with China, raising expectations that this could be a turning point for the frozen bilateral relationship.

Through this meeting, President Biden repeatedly emphasized that competition between the two countries should not escalate into conflict, that both sides must manage competition responsibly, and maintain open lines of communication. The two countries agreed to hold further discussions to this end.

When asked, "Do you believe a new Cold War with China can be avoided?" President Biden replied, "I fully believe a new Cold War is unnecessary." In his speech, he stressed, "We will compete vigorously but do not expect conflict. We will manage competition responsibly." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit China soon to follow up on the summit.

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