President Biden holds virtual summit with his Chinese counterpart

U.S. President Joe Biden “welcomed the opportunity to speak frankly and directly” with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, about issues including human rights, economic competition and China’s growing interest in Taiwan, the White House said early Tuesday. It was the first virtual, face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Biden took office.

“President Biden emphasized that the United States will continue to defend our interests and values ​​and, together with our allies and partners, ensure the rules of the road for the 21st century that advance an international system that is free, open, and fair,” the White House said in a statement after their more than three-hour virtual meeting. “He emphasized the priority he places on high-impact investments at home, while we engage with allies and partners abroad to meet the challenges of our time.”

Biden began the marathon meeting with a friendly greeting before quickly moving into a sober reflection on the challenges that share the two nations.

“It seems to me that our responsibility as leaders of China and the United States is to ensure that the competition between our countries does not escalate into conflict,” Biden said Monday as the two leaders spoke on a video call between Washington and Beijing. “Intentional or unintentional — just pure and direct competition.”

Xi also highlighted many issues between the two great powers and, as expected, defended his nation's sovereignty against what Beijing has long perceived as American and international judgment and pressure.

“Each of us should manage our own domestic affairs well and, at the same time, shoulder our share of international responsibilities and work together to advance the noble cause of world peace and development,” Xi said. “This is a common aspiration of the people of our two countries and around the world.”