WOODSIDE, Calif. (Diya TV) — In an important face-to-face meeting in Woodside, California, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in candid discussions covering a spectrum of bilateral and global concerns. Anti-China rhetoric from politicians of all stripes in the U.S. has soured relations with China to some degree. But both Biden and Jinping, who have a relationship going back decades, made it clear that both nations want to find ways to resolve differences and move forward.
The leaders made strides on a number of issues, welcoming the revival of bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug production, particularly synthetic drugs like fentanyl. A new working group was established for communication and coordination in counternarcotics efforts. Biden highlighted the significance of this collaboration to address the evolving threat of synthetic drugs and curtailing the diversion of precursor chemicals to drug cartels.
The summit saw a positive turn with the resumption of high-level military communication, reinstating the U.S.-China Defense Policy Coordination Talks and Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings. Both leaders acknowledged the imperative to address the risks associated with advanced AI systems, paving the way for future government talks on AI safety.
Discussions covered U.S. support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing a commitment to defending allies, ensuring freedom of navigation, and pursuing peace in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Biden affirmed support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and reiterated backing for Israel’s right to self-defense in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Biden raised human rights concerns, particularly highlighting abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. On Taiwan, he emphasized a consistent one-China policy and urged peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences. Economic matters were also on the table, with concerns expressed about unfair trade policies and punitive actions against U.S. firms.
The leaders acknowledged the importance of collaboration on climate issues and expressed optimism following discussions between their special envoys. Building on the November 2022 meeting in Bali, both leaders stressed the importance of managing competition responsibly, preventing conflict, and upholding the UN Charter. Plans for continued high-level diplomacy, visits, and working-level consultations were agreed upon.
