Biden and Xi meet at the G20 summit amid rising US-China tensions

On Monday, US President Biden and China’s President Xi met during the G20 summit in Indonesia.

Biden and Xi meet at the G20 summit amid rising US-China tensions
U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

You could say that the relationship between the US and China has been better than it is now. With an ongoing trade conflict, disagreement over Taiwan’s sovereignty and human rights divisions, it’s been difficult for the two countries to find common ground.

On Monday, US President Biden and China’s President Xi met during the G20 summit in Indonesia. This is the first time they’ve met in person since Biden became president almost two years ago. Speaking for three hours, the two were able to discuss some of their clashing stances.

On Taiwan, Biden reassured Xi that the US supports both sides sticking to the status quo. And, Biden shared concerns that China would be unable to control North Korea from nuclear testing and military action. Both Xi and Biden are interested in cooperating for international climate negotiations, which is big in the fight against global warming. The two agreed to keep economic competition responsible. Future talks between key officials were also planned.

Key comments:

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, tweeted that the two leaders "instructed their teams to promptly follow up and implement common understandings reached between them, and take concrete actions to put China-U.S. relations back on the track of steady development.”

“The world expects, I believe, China and the United States to play key roles in addressing global challenges, from climate changes to food insecurity, and to – for us to be able to work together,” said Presdent. Biden. “The United States stands ready to do just that – work with you – if that’s what you desire.”

According to China's state news agency, Xi said, "China-U.S. relations should not be a zero-sum game where you lose and I win, and you rise and I fall."

“I absolutely believe there need not be a new Cold War,” said President Biden.