In a Friday phone call, the Chinese and US presidents gave reassurances that the world’s top two economies will hold “more candid exchanges and constructive dialogues to avoid misunderstandings, misjudgments, and unexpected conflicts.”
In the call, Xi Jinping argued that the China policy “adopted by the US for some time has caused serious difficulties in Sino-US relations,” said a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
“This is not in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the common interests of all countries in the world,” said the Chinese leader.
President Joe Biden spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the White House said, with both leaders discussing the need to avoid letting competition between the world's two largest economies veer into conflict https://t.co/mIknBmz083 pic.twitter.com/OPbC2SBpHR
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 10, 2021
This is the second call between the two leaders since Biden was inaugurated this January. The first call was in February.
“The two leaders had a broad, strategic discussion in which they discussed areas where our interests converge, and areas where our interests, values, and perspectives diverge,” said a White House statement about the call.
“They agreed to engage on both sets of issues openly and straightforwardly.”
It added that the conversation “was part of the US’ ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between Washington and Beijing.”
President Xi Jinping held a candid, in-depth, and extensive strategic communication and exchange on #China-#US relations and issues of common concern, with #Biden @POTUS. It's a good sign pic.twitter.com/r4LUIrtXkJ
— Spicy Panda (@SpicyPandaAcc) September 10, 2021
China-US bilateral relations affect globe
Xi said Chinese-US bilateral relations will impact “the future and destiny of the world.”
“Sino-US cooperation will benefit both countries and the world; Sino-US confrontation will bring disasters to both countries and the world,” he warned.
Biden said the White House, “underscored the US’ enduring interest in peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the world.”
“The two leaders discussed the responsibility of both nations to ensure competition does not veer into conflict,” it added.
At a time when the international community is facing many common problems, said Xi, “China and the US should show the big picture, shoulder great responsibilities, insist on looking forward, move forward, show strategic and political courage, and push Sino-US relations back to the right track of stable development as soon as possible.”
Xi urged the two sides to respect each other’s core concerns and “properly manage the differences.”
According to China, on the subject of Taiwan, Biden said: “The US has never intended to change the one-China policy.”
“The two countries have no interest in letting competition veer into conflict,” said Biden, according to the Chinese side.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
