Editorial | 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.