Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, in first meeting in a year, agree to new talks
- Biden cites counter-narcotics, artificial intelligence and climate change as issues that the US and China must address jointly
- Xi turns quickly to ‘grave’ economic problems, including ‘protectionism’
Beijing and Washington agreed to work together on narcotics control and artificial intelligence and resume military-military communication, Beijing said, summing up long-awaited talks on Wednesday between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
But Beijing also underscored that its concerns, especially regarding Taiwan, must be respected.
“China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be defended, and bottom lines that must be adhered to,” it said.
Noting the Taiwan issue is “the most important and sensitive” issue in bilateral relations, Xi said that Washington should live up to its pledge not to support Taiwan independence “in concrete actions” and stop “arming” the island.
Xi punctuated this in talks with Biden by calling on the US to support China’s peaceful reunification, according to the readout released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.