Agreement has been reached between Biden and Xi Jinping for increased military-to-military communication and cooperation on anti-drug policies.
In Woodside, California, on November 15, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reached an agreement to establish a presidential hotline, restart military-to-military communications, and collaborate on reducing fentanyl production. This marks tangible progress in their first in-person meeting in a year, lasting approximately four hours on the outskirts of San Francisco, where they addressed issues causing tension in U.S.-Chinese relations. A key outcome involves the resumption of military contacts that China had cut off following a visit to Taiwan by then-House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022.
“We’re back to direct, open clear direct communication on a direct basis,” Biden said.
Furthermore, Biden mentioned that he and Xi agreed to establish high-level communications, stating, “He and I agreed that each one of us can pick up the phone call directly, and we’ll be heard immediately.” However, in a comment that might unsettle the Chinese, Biden later informed reporters that his perspective on Xi being a dictator has not changed.
“Well, look, he is. I mean, he’s a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is a communist country,” Biden said.
Xi conveyed to Biden that the unfavorable perceptions of the Communist Party in the United States were unjust, as shared by a U.S. official after the meeting. The discussions aimed to mend strained relations, particularly after an incident involving a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon transiting the United States, which resulted in its interception by a U.S. fighter jet in February.
During the talks, Biden addressed areas of concern for Washington, including the detention of U.S. citizens, human rights issues, and Beijing’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
Biden emphasized the importance of candid and straightforward communication, stating, “Just talking, just being blunt with one another so there’s no misunderstanding.”
MILITARY, TAIWAN
Regarding military discussions, Biden urged the formalization of military-to-military dialogues between both countries. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart once the appointment is made, according to a senior U.S. official. This move comes in the context of several close encounters and contentious exchanges between the U.S. and China’s militaries over the past year.
Biden and Xi reached an agreement that China would restrict the export of items linked to the production of the opioid fentanyl, a significant contributor to drug overdoses in the United States. Biden expressed optimism about the potential to save lives, acknowledging and appreciating Xi’s commitment to the issue.
As part of the agreement, China will target specific chemical companies producing fentanyl precursors directly, as detailed by a senior U.S. official to reporters. Biden emphasized the importance of “trust but verify” in monitoring Chinese actions regarding the drug.
The two leaders also agreed to convene experts to discuss the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. During discussions about Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, President Xi Jinping expressed a preference for peaceful reunification but discussed conditions where force might be considered, according to a U.S. official. President Biden emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for the maintenance of the status quo and urging China to respect Taiwan’s electoral process.
Xi urged the U.S. to halt the supply of weapons to Taiwan and support a peaceful “reunification” with China, as reported by Chinese state media. Additionally, Biden requested Xi’s influence with Iran to prevent proxy attacks on U.S. targets in the Middle East during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
The leaders met at the Filoli estate near San Francisco, emphasizing mutual respect. Biden welcomed Xi, treating him as a significant player on the global stage and highlighting the need for the U.S. and China to manage their relationship responsibly. After an approximately four-hour interaction, they took a short walk in the mansion’s manicured garden. Xi reflected on the significant events since their last meeting a year ago in Bali, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic and sluggish global economic recovery.
Xi emphasized the U.S.-China relationship as crucial, and both leaders acknowledged their responsibilities for their countries and the world. They expressed the impracticality of turning their backs on each other, highlighting the severe consequences of conflict and confrontation.
Leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are meeting in San Francisco amid Chinese economic challenges, territorial disputes, and the Middle East conflict, which has strained the United States’ relations with allies.