After a year of anticipation, President Joe Biden of the United States and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, engaged in a summit on November 15. This significant meeting marked their first official interaction since they encountered each other in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of another global gathering. The summit carried substantial weight given the complex and often contentious relationship between the two nations. The leaders addressed various issues, reflecting the current state of affairs and their respective stances on matters of global significance.

During their summit, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping not only engaged in a formal bilateral meeting but also shared a lunch accompanied by their top advisers. Following the formal discussions, the leaders took a leisurely stroll through the verdant grounds of the estate located on the outskirts of San Francisco, where the summit was held.

President Biden described the meeting as having "some of the most constructive and productive discussions." Stressing on the importance of open communication, Biden stated that Xi is "willing to pick up the phone," a significant development in US-China diplomacy.

At the summit, President Joe Biden underscored the importance of the Middle East, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. The discussions brought attention to the intricate roles played by both the United States and China in the Middle East, recognizing the challenges and responsibilities borne by each nation.

The issue of Taiwan took center stage at the summit, as Xi Jinping emphasized its critical role in US-China relations. Xi urged the United States to uphold its commitments regarding Taiwan's independence, stating a preference for peaceful reunification while not ruling out the potential use of force. President Biden, in response, underscored the United States' dedication to regional peace.

As the January elections in Taiwan draw near, President Biden called on China to respect the democratic process on the island. Despite the proximity of China's military forces to Taiwan, there is currently no apparent immediate threat of invasion, offering a sense of reassurance.

Biden asked for China's assistance in calming tensions with Iran. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed ongoing talks with Iran. Biden clarified that issues related to Hamas are distinct from broader Palestinian concerns, as reported by CNN.

The discussions at the summit prominently addressed the challenge of fentanyl production, with China committing to targeting companies associated with its production. The US expressed its intent to closely monitor these efforts.

A significant agreement emerged from the summit, focusing on the restoration of military-to-military communications. This development is crucial for reducing the risk of misunderstandings and managing tensions between the military forces of both nations.

Although no joint statement or formal cooperation declaration was issued, the summit concluded on a positive note. President Biden expressed optimism about the "real progress" made during the talks, underscoring the significance of engagement between the world's leading powers amid escalating global tensions.

Towards the end of his speech, Xi states, "China is pursuing modernization and will not return to war. We will not fight a cold or hot war with anyone." He affirms that China is committed to its domestic development and has no plans to expand.

Image source: ANI