[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the 14th (local time) at the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, shaking hands and emphasizing mutual cooperation and relationship improvement.
According to foreign media including Bloomberg News, President Biden met President Xi at 5:36 p.m. at The Mulia Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, and after shaking hands, stated, "The United States and China have the responsibility to manage differences so that competition does not turn into conflict."
He added, "We share the responsibility to cooperate on urgent global issues that require mutual collaboration," and said, "Personally and across the government, we will maintain communication channels because there are so many issues that the two countries must address together."
He continued, "The whole world expects the two countries to play a key role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity," and said, "If China also wishes for this, the United States is ready to cooperate."
He then said, "I have been waiting for a candid conversation. Thank you for the opportunity."
President Xi said, "There are things gained and lost, as well as experiences and lessons, after more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries," and added, "We must use history as a mirror and move toward the future."
He continued, "The current situation faced by China and the United States does not align with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, nor with the expectations of the international community," emphasizing, "As leaders of the two great powers, we must play a role in setting the direction, find the right development path for bilateral relations, and improve the relationship."
He also said, "The international community expects China and the U.S. to handle their mutual relationship well," and added, "Together with all countries, we must promote hope for world peace, increase confidence for global stability, and strengthen efforts for common development."
President Xi further stated, "I hope that together we can return China-U.S. relations to a healthy and stable development track, benefiting both countries and the world."
The two leaders met for the first time in about 22 months since President Biden took office in January last year. During the meeting, opinions are expected to be exchanged on the Korean Peninsula situation, where tensions have escalated due to the possibility of North Korea's nuclear tests, and on the Taiwan issue.
Attending the meeting were Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor; Antony Blinken, Secretary of State; Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury; and Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China.
On the Chinese side were Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China; Wang Yi, Member of the Politburo and Foreign Minister; He Lifeng, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission; and Chan Mau-bo, Director of the Hong Kong Financial Secretary’s Office.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
