Xi Jinping warns Biden of Taiwan and democracy “red lines” as he vows to defy any attempt to contain China
Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Joe Biden that the issues of Taiwan, democracy, human rights and the right to development are “red lines” for China and should not be challenged, state media reported. Xinhua this Sunday (17).
Xi warned the United States not to get involved in bilateral disputes over islands and reefs in the South China Sea or “encourage provocations” in that region, according to the report.
Xi said China and the United States could face turbulence or even setbacks in their relations due to rivalry between the two countries, but that considerable progress could be made if they treated each other as partners and friends.
The statements were made during a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) summit in Peru, according to Xinhua.
Xi says he will work with Trump in last meeting with Biden
Chinese leader Xi Jinping promised to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump during his last meeting with current US President Joe Biden.
However, Xi took the opportunity to outline China’s goals, in a message that appears aimed at Trump and the incoming administration in Washington.
In a sharp statement released after the meeting, Beijing said Xi emphasized that “a new Cold War must not be fought and cannot be won. Containing China is reckless, unacceptable and doomed to failure.”
Xi also declared that a stable relationship between China and the United States is “critical for both countries and the world.”
Xi and Biden met on Saturday during the annual APEC summit in Lima, where they acknowledged “ups and downs” in relations over Biden’s four years in office.
Speaking during the meeting held at Xi’s hotel in Lima, the Chinese leader said that if the US and China “treat each other as opponents or enemies, engaging in hostile competition and causing mutual harm, relations between China and the US will suffer setbacks or even regressions.”
Xi added that Beijing’s goal of maintaining a stable relationship with Washington would remain unchanged and that it would work with the new US administration “to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences.”
Biden, in turn, stated that the strategic competition between the two global powers should not escalate into war.
“Our two countries cannot allow this competition to turn into conflict. This is our responsibility and, over the last four years, I believe we have proven that it is possible to maintain this relationship”, he declared.
Both leaders highlighted progress in reducing tensions on issues such as trade and Taiwan.
Analysts say relations between the US and China could become more volatile with Trump’s return to the presidency in two months, driven by factors such as a promise to increase tariffs on Chinese imports.
The president-elect promised 60% tariffs on all imports from China. He has also appointed fierce critics of Beijing to prominent positions in defense and foreign affairs.
During his first term, Trump classified Beijing as a “strategic competitor”. Relations deteriorated further when he called Covid-19 the “Chinese virus” during the pandemic.
Biden’s years in office have also seen episodes of tension with China, including the controversy over a spy balloon and displays of Chinese military force around Taiwan, triggered by the visit of a senior US official.
China has declared its claim to the autonomous island of Taiwan a non-negotiable red line.
However, the Biden administration sought to “responsibly manage” the rivalry with Beijing after Trump’s first term.
Analysts say Beijing is likely more concerned about President-elect Trump’s unpredictability.
“The Chinese are ready to negotiate and dialogue, and likely expect early engagement with the Trump team to discuss possible agreements,” said Bonnie Glaser, director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund.
“On the other hand, they are prepared to retaliate if Trump insists on imposing higher tariffs on China,” he added.
She highlighted that Beijing may also be concerned about the lack of reliable channels to influence Trump’s policy.
On Saturday, Biden acknowledged that there had always been disagreements with Xi, but added that discussions between them had been “frank and honest.”
The two leaders held three in-person meetings during Biden’s term, including a key summit last year in San Francisco, where they reached agreements on combating drug trafficking and climate change.
However, the Biden White House maintained Trump-era tariffs and in May imposed new duties on electric cars, solar panels and steel from China.
The administration has also strengthened defense alliances in Asia and the Pacific to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Biden also declared that the US would defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion by China.
With information from Reuters and BBC NEWS*
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/11/18/o-recado-de-xi-a-biden-sobre-taiwan/
