The meeting took place via video conference and followed two telephone conversations between the leaders held this year, in addition to several dialogues by other high-ranking officials of their governments.

According to reports, the two sides discussed “strategic and fundamental issues” in their bilateral ties.

However, in his opening remarks, Xi insisted on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and search for a win-win cooperation, while managing domestic affairs and assuming each other’s international responsibilities.

In his view, a healthy and stable relationship between Beijing and Washington is necessary to promote the individual development, safeguard a peaceful and stable international environment, and seek effective responses to global challenges such as climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a communique issued at the beginning of the talks, Biden expressed his willingness to have a candid and fruitful discussion with Xi, and emphasized that they are responsible for ensuring a competition between their countries without falling into conflict.

pgh/iff/ymr