President Joe Biden candidly acknowledged the complexities of U.S.-China relations, stating, ‘Not as my generation would say back in the day, it’s not all Kumbaya, but it’s straightforward.’
This admission came during his speech to CEOs at the APEC summit, where he discussed real differences with China and emphasized the use of smart policies and strong diplomacy.
Biden’s Remarks on US-China Relations:
Post-Meeting Reflection:
Biden’s straightforward language followed his nearly four-hour meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he previously called Xi a ‘dictator.’
Despite the diplomatic tensions, Biden asserted the commitment to addressing differences with China using strategic policies and strong diplomatic measures.
Progress and Challenges:
Following the meeting, Biden highlighted progress in U.S.-China relations, particularly in China’s agreement to combat fentanyl production and the resumption of military-to-military communications.
However, he acknowledged the challenges, stating, ‘Well, look, he’s a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that’s based on a form of government totally different than ours.’
China’s Response:
China responded strongly, expressing opposition to Biden’s remarks as ‘wrong and irresponsible political manipulation.’
Beijing emphasized that attempts to damage U.S.-China relations would fail.
APEC Summit Opening and Biden’s Address:
Opening of APEC Summit:
Biden officially opened the APEC summit in his address to CEOs, where he faced some light-hearted moments, struggling to pronounce the name of a company.
Despite the lightheartedness, the summit, with 21 member countries, is overshadowed by the complexities of U.S.-China relations.
Intent on Responsible Management:
Biden addressed concerns from allies and business leaders about Washington-Beijing relations, expressing his intent on responsibly managing the competition between the United States and China.
He assured attendees that he and President Xi are committed to maintaining open communication and preventing misunderstandings.
Taiwan and Key Discussions:
While progress was made in certain aspects, such as restoring military-to-military relations and addressing fentanyl production, Biden highlighted the remaining challenges, particularly regarding Taiwan.
He gave a blunt warning to Xi not to interfere in Taiwan’s January elections, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the One China policy.
Conclusion:
Managing Expectations:
Biden’s acknowledgment of the complexities in U.S.-China relations reflects the challenges ahead, even as diplomatic progress is made.
The commitment to smart policies and strong diplomacy underscores the administration’s approach to navigate the intricate landscape of global politics.