The much-anticipated summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden at the APEC summit in San Francisco has emerged as a critical stabiliser for Sino-US relations.
Both leaders were engaged in a candid and comprehensive exchange of perspectives, transcending bilateral concerns to address pivotal global issues concerning peace and development. A defining feature of the summit was the agreement that both sides committed to, fostering dialogue and collaboration across diverse domains.
Initiatives such as official China-US government talks on artificial intelligence, a task force for counter-narcotics cooperation, and the resumption of high-level military-to-military communication were pivotal outcomes. Forums like the China-US Defense Policy Coordination Talks and the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings saw a resurgence, highlighting the commitment to strengthening ties. The establishment of a telephone hotline between the two presidents further underscored the dedication to open communication.
Looking ahead, the leaders pledged to enhance people-to-people connections, exemplified by a substantial surge in scheduled passenger flights early next year. Beyond political boundaries, a commitment to broaden exchanges in education, culture, sports, and business demonstrated the leaders' aspiration for a multifaceted relationship. The summit's reverberations broadcasted a reassuring and steady message to the global audience. It signaled a shared commitment from both China and the US to alleviate and stabilise their bilateral relations, actively seeking opportunities for collaboration. The meeting not only addressed specific issues but also laid the groundwork for the future trajectory of China-US relations, setting the stage for a more cooperative and constructive engagement.
However, the summit also revealed a shared acknowledgment that neither Beijing nor Washington holds unrealistic expectations for an immediate breakthrough or substantial improvement in their relations. Rather than pursuing an antagonistic approach, both sides recognized the advantages of maintaining tensions at their current level and preventing further deterioration.
Amidst the discussions, the Taiwan issue took center stage. President Xi emphasised its paramount significance and sensitivity in Sino-US relations. Acknowledging positive statements from the US during the Bali meeting, China urged concrete actions to uphold its commitment against endorsing "Taiwan independence." The candid appeal from the Chinese leader echoed a call for US support in China's pursuit of "peaceful reunification," signaling a significant message to both the US and the global audience.
On the positive side, President Biden reaffirmed the US' commitment to the one-China policy, expressing openness to dialogue and emphasising the readiness for open communication with China. This shift in the US stance on the Taiwan question hints at a potential positive development, offering an interesting layer to the diplomatic discourse. The summit in San Francisco occurred against the backdrop of a modest "stabilisation" in US-China relations, posing the question of whether this marks a significant milestone in the broader trajectory of bilateral relations. In their extensive communication, the two leaders navigated a broad spectrum of global challenges, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the crisis in Ukraine, climate change, and artificial intelligence. This juncture marks a critical moment in gauging the commitment of the involved parties to a constructive and enduring engagement.
The true measure of success hinges on whether both nations can maintain their current momentum and continue progressing. This juncture serves as a pivotal moment to assess the commitment of the involved parties to a constructive and enduring engagement. Both US and Chinese policymakers are confronted with a fundamental reality: ensuring the growth and security of their respective nations necessitates steering clear of persistent financial, economic, and military confrontations that have the potential to erode stability on both fronts.
Post the Xi-Biden meeting, the onus lies on both presidents to inspire their respective policymakers, think tanks, and academia academic circles. It is imperative that the emphasis pivots towards delving into incremental improvements in the relations between these two major economies and military superpowers, steering clear of a potentially catastrophic downward spiral.
The shared duty of the US and China's presidents is to provide the necessary empowerment for their respective teams, encouraging them to unearth ways for peaceful coexistence amidst the delicate interplay of divergent political philosophies and financial systems.
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