Xi-Biden letters spell out global importance of improving relations
- Turbulent world welcomes exchange marking 45th anniversary of China-US diplomatic ties, and both countries must recognise dialogue and cooperation are the only way forward
A 45th anniversary may not have the same ring to it as a 50th or 100th. But in China-United States diplomatic relations it is no ordinary milestone. It marks a critical reset of ties that had reached a nadir.
Analysts have scrutinised letters between presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden to mark the anniversary for every nuance of significance.
The Xi-Biden exchange on Monday reflected the improved atmosphere since their summit in San Francisco on November 15 last year.
That meeting followed a turbulent period since their previous face-to-face encounter a year earlier, after which ties hit a new low.
It represented a one-time opportunity to reset the bilateral relationship ahead of a US presidential election year, with the next summit unlikely until 2025.
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Xi-Biden summit venue was site of 80s US TV drama ‘Dynasty’
If the November meeting was a chance to lay the foundations of ties for a year and beyond, the exchange of letters this week reflects progress in restoring relations.
Xi and Biden agreed to restore contacts disrupted after then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.
Even friendly dialogue on climate change was affected. Now talks have resumed between military leaders, with the Chinese side describing them as “positive and constructive”.
The Xi-Biden letters conveyed positive signs for the stabilisation of ties. In his letter, Xi said China-US relations had experienced ups and downs but had generally moved forward, enhancing the well-being of the two peoples and promoting peace, stability and prosperity.
US alarmism over Taiwan and mainland China is truly alarming
Xi also referred to the November summit, where he said the “San Francisco Vision” opened up the future and pointed out the direction for the development of China-US relations.
Biden responded that the relationship between the two countries had promoted prosperity and opportunities for the US, China and the world.
Relations between China and the US are important at any time. Now they have to be seen in the context of an economically and strategically turbulent global situation.
When Xi and Biden last met it was against the background of the invasion of Ukraine by China’s ally Russia.
When they exchanged letters this week it was against the background of an invasion of Gaza by US ally Israel.
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The two conflicts have exacerbated global divisions. In these circumstances it is crucial to maintain dialogue and coordination between China and the US.
US-China relations specialist Lu Xiang, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the new year exchange made clear the necessity and importance to the world of cooperation, given the challenges facing the global economy.
China is hoping that to minimise the risk of confrontation, the US will change its attitude and not try to contain China’s peaceful rise by any means possible. Dialogue and cooperation are paramount to that goal.
