Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to Biden... China Calls It an Opportunity to Restore Severed Communication Channels

Only 18 Days After Biden's Election... "Development of Both Countries Meets International Community's Expectations"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to US President-elect Joe Biden 18 days after the US presidential election results were announced. Chinese state media evaluated that President Xi's congratulatory message would serve as an opportunity to restore the severed communication channels between the US and China.

According to Chinese state media outlets including the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and Global Times on the 26th, President Xi stated in his congratulatory message sent to President-elect Biden the previous day, "The stable development of China-US relations aligns not only with the fundamental interests of both countries but also with the expectations of the international community," adding, "I hope it will develop through mutual respect and win-win cooperation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Chinese media pointed out that there are many issues to be resolved, such as trade disputes, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang Uyghur, and the South China Sea, emphasizing that this message could be a starting point to reopen communication channels between the two countries. These media outlets had previously voiced the need to restore communication channels with Biden's foreign and security team as the Biden cabinet lineup became clearer.

Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at China Foreign Affairs University, said, "The US administration has officially begun the transition process," and added, "President Xi's message shows China's goodwill to cooperate with the US." He further stated, "The message contains hopes that the two countries will cooperate with each other in the future."

President Xi's message came after President Donald Trump ordered the transition of power. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously extended congratulations to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris but did not use the term 'President-elect.'

There are also claims that a cautious approach is necessary as obstacles still exist to improving bilateral relations. Jin Kanlong, deputy dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, pointed out, "The cooperative relationship and friendship between the two leaders began during the vice presidency," but added, "Since bilateral relations have been severely damaged, caution is needed in resolving various issues."

Meanwhile, some speculate that the Chinese leadership might invite President Trump to improve relations with the US. It is suggested that President Trump could be invited to China after his retirement to clear the emotions accumulated over the past four years.

Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin ascho@asiae.co.kr