China and the US ‘must find the right way to get along’, Xi Jinping tells Joe Biden
- Leaders meet in first virtual summit, with ‘extended conversation’ on most contentious issue, Taiwan, according to US official
- Talks could prevent tensions from escalating but observers do not see either side changing tack or making key concessions
While Xi and Biden talked about the need for cooperation and agreed to avoid conflict and keep lines of communication open, both sides tried to downplay expectations for any breakthroughs after the meeting on Tuesday, which ran for more than 3½ hours.
It was a positive tone for their first virtual summit since Biden took office, but a lack of agreements showed neither side was ready to change tack or make key concessions, according to observers.
On the most contentious issue of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, Xi blamed “some people in the US” for stoking tensions and trying to “use Taiwan to control China”. Beijing was incensed by Biden’s off-the-cuff comments last month pledging to defend the self-ruled island from a Chinese attack.
“We are patient and are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and best efforts. But China will be compelled to take resolute measures, should the separatist forces for Taiwan independence provoke us and force our hands, or even cross the red line,” he said.