The virtual face-to-face began with extreme punctuality at a quarter to eight in the evening, American time. And Joe Biden and Xi Jinping immediately broke the ice of a highly anticipated meeting: they publicly flaunted friendly and thaw-out tones of the “cold war” between the two countries, despite the many divergences at the root of recent bilateral tensions – economic, military and of values. Among the relaxing symbols, there are also homages with ties: Biden wore a red one, Beijing’s favorite color; Xi a blue, the color of the Democratic Party.
Create parapets against escalation of crises
“I believe it is our responsibility as leaders of the United States and China to ensure that the competition between our two countries does not degenerate into conflict, intentional or not,” Biden told reporters and the audience just before the actual meeting started. closed doors. He then invited, as a solution in the face of a similar risk of escalation of the crisis, to the “creation of common sense parapets” to keep relations on track. Biden also pointed out that over the years he has “spent a lot of time in discussions” with Xi, an indirect reference to the potential to improve diplomatic channels between the powers.
The “old friend” Biden
Xi also said he was “very happy to see my old friend,” a reference to the numerous meetings with Biden since the latter was vice president (of Barack Obama) and the Chinese leader was still on the rise. He added that today he has the goal, for China and the US, of a “peaceful coexistence”, invoking “the need for greater communication and cooperation”. More precisely: “China and the United States should respect each other, coexist peacefully and pursue a cooperation that is a success for all.” And, addressing Biden, according to Chinese sources, he added: “I am ready to work with you, Mr. President, to build consensus, decide on active steps and move bilateral relations forward in a positive direction.”
Delegations compared for 4 hours
The summit lasted four hours, one more than expected, dragging itself into the American night and beyond Chinese midday, with the participation of at least six key collaborators alongside each leader in addition to the interpreters. Among the Americans, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and members of the National Security Council of the White House. The Chinese delegation that flanked Xi was composed, among others, of Liu He, Deputy Prime Minister, Ding Xuexiang, General Secretary of the Communist Party, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Pandemic and nuclear, Taiwan and cybersecurity
The agenda of the issues touched upon is dense. According to US sources, the fight against the pandemic and nuclear non-proliferation, in addition to climate change, which already saw a common commitment at the UN COP26 conference in Glasgow, would have appeared among the most propitious issues for approaches during and after the meeting. The issues related to the rearmament races and Chinese aggression denounced by Washington, in particular against Taiwan, which Beijing aims to annex – to increase pressure, has carried out repeated military maneuvers near the island – and the White House are more difficult. instead it is committed to protecting. Harsh challenges are also underway over cybersecurity and the defense of democracy and human rights, which Biden has accused China of violating. In the past months, the US administration has also triggered sanctions against some Chinese officials held responsible for repression.