16-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) The highly anticipated summit between the leaders of China and the United States officially commenced at around 11:20 am local time in San Francisco on the 15th.
In his brief opening remarks, U.S. President Biden first welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States and to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Biden then mentioned their previous meeting approximately a year ago in Bali, Indonesia, during the Group of Twenty (G20) summit. Since then, major officials from both sides have engaged in many crucial discussions on issues related to both China, the United States, and the world. However, face-to-face discussions cannot be replaced, and, as Biden stated, “Our discussions have always been direct and candid, which I have always appreciated.”
He said, “Mr. President, we have known each other for a long time, and we do not always agree on each other’s viewpoints, which should not surprise anyone. But our meetings are always straightforward, direct, and useful.”
Biden stated, “Your character is candid, so I never doubt what you tell me. I cherish our conversations because I believe that a clear understanding of each other’s intentions, without any illusions or misunderstandings, is crucial. We must ensure that competition does not slide into conflict, and we are prepared to manage competition responsibly. This is what the United States is ready to do, and I believe it is what the world expects from both of us, to communicate directly.”
Biden said that both China and the United States bear responsibilities to each other’s peoples and to the world. Cooperation between China and the U.S. is needed when it aligns with mutual interests. Key global challenges, from climate change and drug enforcement to artificial intelligence, require cooperation between China and the U.S.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his opening remarks, also mentioned the exchange between him and Biden 12 years ago when he was still the Vice President.
Xi said, “President and I last met in Bali, and it has been a year. A lot has happened in the past year. The world has emerged from the pandemic, but the significant impact of the pandemic still lingers. The world economy is starting to recover, but there is a lack of momentum. The disruption of industrial and supply chains, the rise of protectionism, these issues are very prominent.”
Xi stated that as the most important bilateral relationship globally, China-U.S. relations need to be considered and planned against the backdrop of the accelerated evolution of the world over the next century. This is to bring benefits to the people of both countries and to show responsibility for human progress.
He continued, “For more than 50 years, China-U.S. relations have never been smooth sailing. There have always been various issues, always advancing in twists and turns. Such two major countries cannot avoid dealing with each other, and it is unrealistic to want to change each other. The consequences of conflict are unacceptable.”
“I still hold the view that the dominance of great power competition is not the theme of this era and cannot solve the problems facing China, the United States, and the world. This planet can accommodate both China and the United States. Our respective successes are opportunities for each other. The history, culture, social systems, and development paths of China and the United States are different, which is an objective reality. However, as long as both sides adhere to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, they can completely transcend differences and find the right way for the two great countries to get along. I firmly believe that the future of China-U.S. relations is bright.”
“I and President are the helmsmen of China-U.S. relations, and we bear a heavy responsibility to the people, to the world, and to history. I look forward to exchanging views with President today on strategic, overall, and directional issues related to China-U.S. relations, as well as major issues related to world peace and development, to reach new consensus.”
The Xi-Biden summit took place at the historic Filoli Estate. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, Treasury Secretary Yellen, Commerce Secretary Raimondo, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Kerry; CCP Politburo Standing Committee Member and General Office Director Cai Qi, CCP Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, among others, attended the talks.
