Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
On the Sidelines of the APEC Summit: Xi Jinping’s Vision for U.S.-China Relations
On November 16, during the 31st APEC Summit held in Lima, Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden. In reflecting on the state of bilateral relations over the past four years, Xi highlighted that, despite occasional tensions, relations remained generally stable. He noted progress in restoring or establishing over 20 communication mechanisms covering various areas, including diplomacy, security, economy, trade, finance, military contacts, combating crime and drug trafficking, agriculture, climate change, and cultural exchanges.
Strategic Vision for Bilateral Relations
Xi Jinping laid out a comprehensive framework for the next stage of U.S.-China relations, emphasizing seven key principles that he considers essential for fostering a stable and productive relationship:
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A Correct Strategic Vision:
Xi stressed the need to avoid the “Thucydides Trap,” warning that containment policies against China are futile, and a new “Cold War” is unwinnable. -
Aligning Actions with Words:
He emphasized that the U.S.’s failure to uphold this principle undermines mutual trust between the two nations. -
Rejecting Power-Based Policies:
Xi made it clear that using a “policy of strength” in dealing with China is unacceptable, urging both sides to base relations on equality. -
Respecting “Red Lines”:
He reiterated that certain issues are non-negotiable for China, including the “One-China Principle,” the three joint communiqués, the Taiwan issue, democracy, human rights, and China’s right to pursue its own development model. -
Expanding Areas of Common Interest:
Xi noted that the number of shared interests between the two countries is increasing, making collaboration not only beneficial but essential for global stability. He identified key areas such as trade, agriculture, combating drug trafficking, artificial intelligence, and environmental protection. -
Enhancing People-to-People Exchanges:
Xi called for building bridges between the two peoples and removing obstacles that hinder mutual understanding and interaction. -
Fulfilling Global Responsibilities:
The Chinese president urged both nations to act as major powers committed to maintaining global peace, avoiding actions that exhaust the other, and refraining from pressuring third-party nations for unilateral gains.
Addressing Current Issues
Xi presented China’s stance on several pressing matters, including Taiwan, trade, technology, cybersecurity, the South China Sea, and the war in Ukraine.
Analysts interpret Xi’s detailed statements as a clear articulation of China’s negotiation strategy, particularly in informal contacts with figures close to Donald Trump’s team. This strategy is expected to influence Beijing’s diplomatic approach during the early months of a new U.S. administration, should Trump win the upcoming presidential election.
Cooperation Amid Global Challenges
China views cooperation with the United States as a critical requirement not only for bilateral stability but also for addressing global challenges. Xi underlined the necessity of coordinated efforts to tackle shared issues such as climate crises, pandemics, and organized crime.
He warned that Washington’s continued reliance on containment or pressure tactics would only complicate matters further. Instead, he highlighted the importance of dialogue and finding common ground to replace a focus on differences.
Xi Jinping’s remarks outline a clear and firm stance on U.S.-China relations, based on mutual respect and constructive collaboration. Beijing appears determined to prevent escalation while seeking new avenues for bilateral cooperation. These developments underscore the need to closely monitor this pivotal relationship as it continues to shape the global landscape in the coming years.
