In a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of respecting China, rejecting major-country competition, and honoring the positive statements and consensus reached during his meeting with US President Joe Biden last year.
President Xi stressed that a stable China-US relationship is crucial for the future and destiny of humanity. He expressed that the world is vast enough to accommodate the development and common prosperity of both China and the United States. He further emphasized that major-country competition does not align with the current trend of the times and cannot solve the challenges faced by the US or the world.
China respects the interests of the United States and has no intention of challenging or displacing the US. President Xi called for mutual respect between the two countries, urging the US not to hurt China’s legitimate rights and interests. He emphasized that neither side should attempt to shape the other according to its own will or deprive the other of its right to development.
President Xi highlighted the importance of a sound and steady China-US relationship based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He called on the United States to adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude and work together with China toward the same goal.
Secretary Blinken conveyed President Biden’s greetings to President Xi, affirming that the US and China have an obligation to responsibly manage their relations for the benefit of both countries and the world. He reiterated the US commitment to the agenda set during the Bali meeting, which includes not seeking a new Cold War, not aiming to change China’s system, and not supporting Taiwan independence or seeking conflict with China.
Observers noted that President Xi’s remarks come at a time when the US has been engaged in actions that suppress and bully China, leading to a deterioration in relations. Many hope that the meetings between Blinken and Chinese officials will help restore the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali.
Experts suggest that despite the challenges, there is room for collaboration between the two countries. They believe that by addressing specific issues and working toward the gradual improvement of relations, progress can be made.
President Xi emphasized that the common interests of China and the United States should be valued, and the success of each country should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the other. He stated that the international community does not want to see conflict or confrontation between China and the US or to take sides.
Dean Wu Xinbo of Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies highlighted the vulnerability and instability of the overall China-US relationship. He stressed the importance of the US maintaining a calm approach in case of unexpected incidents and exercising prudence in matters related to the Taiwan question, which involves China’s core interests.
During the talks between State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Secretary Blinken, Beijing and Washington agreed to advance collaboration and exchange of visits. Additionally, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met with Blinken and urged the US to stop hyping up the “China threat” and interfering in China’s internal affairs.
China has consistently promoted peace and rejected claims that it seeks hegemony or bullies others as it grows stronger. With the US hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, China hopes the US will reassess and recalibrate its Asia-Pacific policy. China is prepared to work with the US to foster constructive interaction in the region and restore Asia-Pacific cooperation to the right direction.
The meetings between Blinken and Chinese officials have garnered significant attention from the international community, which hopes for a positive outcome that will contribute to the stability and improvement of China-US relations.