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Home / China / Biden-Xi summit can set a responsible course for U.S.-China competition
China, Diplomacy

November 12, 2021

Biden-Xi summit can set a responsible course for U.S.-China competition

By Lyle Goldstein

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 12, 2021
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—On Monday, President Biden will participate in a virtual summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Defense Priorities Director of Asia Engagement Lyle Goldstein issued the following statement in response:

“The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China is the most consequential in the world, so summits bringing the two leaders together should be frequent and intensive. At this first virtual summit between Presidents Biden and Xi, it will be useful to set a new, pragmatic tone for the relationship, which has declined for the last five years.

“Presidents Biden and Xi should follow the example of their climate negotiators and seek incremental compromises on shared interests. At the top of the agenda should be both Taiwan and climate change, since these issues present profound dangers. To ameliorate flash points, President Biden should demonstrate sincerity regarding adherence to the ‘One China’ principle, which remains the cornerstone of U.S.-China relations laid down 50 years ago by Nixon’s famous visit to Beijing, as well as address trade frictions. Both presidents should abjure the ‘decoupling’ spawned by the trade war that damages the economies of both nations and the global economy more generally.”

Author

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

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