President Joe Biden’s Meeting with President Xi Jinping

In a landmark summit held in California, President Biden and President Xi engaged in a candid and constructive dialogue, addressing a wide spectrum of bilateral and global issues.

Areas of Cooperation and Engagement:

• Countering Global Illicit Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking: Recognizing the devastating impact of illicit drugs, particularly synthetic drugs like fentanyl, the two leaders welcomed the resumption of bilateral cooperation to combat this global menace. They established a working group to facilitate ongoing communication and law enforcement coordination on counternarcotics issues. This initiative signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the shared challenge of drug trafficking and its detrimental consequences on communities worldwide.

• Enhancing AI Safety and Responsibility: Acknowledging the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the leaders affirmed the need to address potential risks associated with advanced AI systems. They agreed to engage in U.S.-China government talks to explore best practices for ensuring AI safety and promoting responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. This collaborative approach reflects a shared understanding of the importance of mitigating potential AI risks while harnessing its benefits for societal progress.

• Tackling the Climate Crisis with Urgency: Underscoring the pressing need to address the climate crisis, the two leaders welcomed recent positive discussions between their respective climate envoys. They agreed to collaborate on national emissions reduction efforts, promote a successful COP 28, and operationalize the Working Group on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s. This commitment to cooperation on climate change highlights the shared recognition of the urgency and importance of addressing this global challenge.

Addressing Regional and Global Challenges:

• Supporting Ukraine’s Defense and Sovereignty: President Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. He emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s emergence from this conflict as a democratic, independent, and sovereign nation capable of deterring and defending itself against future aggression. This steadfast support signifies the U.S.’s commitment to upholding Ukraine’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity.

• Promoting Peace and Stability in the Israel-Hamas Conflict: Reiterating U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, President Biden urged all parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation of the conflict. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and political solutions to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. This diplomatic approach underscores the U.S.’s commitment to fostering a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

• Addressing Human Rights Concerns in China: President Biden raised concerns about the PRC’s human rights abuses, particularly in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. He emphasized the universality of human rights and the responsibility of all nations to uphold their international human rights commitments. This expression of concern reflects the U.S.’s commitment to promoting human rights and advocating for the well-being of individuals worldwide.

• Maintaining Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait: Emphasizing the U.S.’s one-China policy, President Biden reiterated opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He called for restraint in the PRC’s military activities near Taiwan and expressed the U.S.’s support for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. This balanced approach seeks to maintain stability in the region while upholding the U.S.’s commitment to its long-standing one-China policy.

Addressing Trade and Economic Issues:

President Biden expressed concerns about the PRC’s unfair trade practices, non-market economic policies, and punitive actions against U.S. firms. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its national security and economic interests while maintaining open trade and investment. This stance reflects the U.S.’s efforts to address trade imbalances and ensure fair and equitable economic practices.

Fostering People-to-People Ties and Diplomacy:

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of strengthening ties between the people of the United States and China. They committed to increasing scheduled passenger flights and encouraging exchanges in education, culture, sports, and business. These initiatives aim to promote mutual understanding and foster positive connections between the two nations.

Commitment to Continued Engagement and Responsible Management of the U.S.-China Relationship:

Acknowledging the efforts of their respective teams to explore best practices for the U.S.-China relationship, the two leaders agreed to continue high-level diplomacy and interactions. They emphasized the importance of responsibly managing competition, preventing conflict, maintaining open communication, cooperating on areas of shared interest, adhering to the UN Charter, and treating each other with respect. This commitment to constructive dialogue and responsible management of the U.S.-China relationship highlights the shared recognition of the importance of maintaining a stable and productive relationship between the two