Biden and Xi to discuss critical global issues in San Francisco meeting tomorrow

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to host President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping tomorrow on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco.

Speaking to the press on Monday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House will seek “specific outcomes” from the meeting. “We believe there that are areas where our interests overlap,” Sullivan stated. He noted that competition could be more effectively managed by reestablishing military-to-military communications, adding that the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in the Middle East represent “critical global issues that the two leaders will need to discuss.”

Sullivan stressed that maintaining military communication is “the only responsible thing to do” as “having our two militaries in communication is the way you reduce mistakes, you avoid escalation, you manage competition so it doesn’t bear into conflict.” He further noted that “the president, broadly speaking, is going to set out a vision for peace and stability and the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning told the press: “The two Presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching, and fundamental importance in shaping China-U.S. relations and major issues concerning world peace and development.”

“China views and handles its relations with the US in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping,” Mao continued, adding: “China does not fear competition, but we do not agree that China-US relations should be defined by competition. Speaking of concerns, the US needs to respect China’s concerns and legitimate right to development, rather than emphasizing its own concerns at the expense of China’s interests.”

“China doesn’t seek to change the US, nor should the US seek to shape or change China. We hope the US will act on its commitment of not seeking a new Cold War with China and having no intention to seek a conflict with China and work with China to bring bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development.”

Regarding Taiwan, Ming emphasized that “the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China” while urging the US to “honor its commitment to one China and oppose “Taiwan independence” with concrete actions.” She also stated that “China stands on the side of equity and justice” in the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, adding: “We hope that the US will follow an objective and just stance and play a constructive role in halting the conflict.”