November 19th (AMSP/CGTN) – – When Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Lima, Peru, on Saturday local time, he outlined seven key points for China-U.S. relations, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the experiences of the past four years to draw lessons. He also identified four “red lines” for China that must not be challenged or crossed.
Experts noted that the points raised by China at this pivotal moment in the U.S. government’s transition are intended to shape the future course of bilateral relations. They highlighted China’s commitment to fostering stable, healthy and sustainable ties, a stance that remains unchanged regardless of changes in U.S. leadership. At the same time, China’s red lines convey a clear message that its core interests are non-negotiable. The four red lines are the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, China’s path and system, and China’s development rights.
China commits to stable, healthy China-U.S. ties
Zhou Wenxing, an associate professor at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University, told CGTN that the two leaders articulated their core demands and concerns while reaching a consensus on fostering stable bilateral relations and ensuring peaceful coexistence.
” This consensus is especially significant as Trump prepares to assume the presidency in 2025, providing a crucial foundation for maintaining stability in China-U.S. relations during the transitional period, ” Zhou said.
Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China and senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, said the outcomes of the meeting constitute an important part of Biden’s political legacy. For the incoming Trump administration, they serve as a guide for the future direction of relations, emphasizing that opposing China will neither contain its growth nor benefit the U.S.
” China’s four red lines clearly outline its fundamental bottom lines to the U.S., ” Wang said, stressing that China’s proactive expression of its stance demonstrates increasing strategic initiative in managing bilateral relations. He added that by emphasizing shared responsibilities as major powers, China positions itself on higher moral ground.
Over the past four years, Xi and Biden have led efforts to ease tensions on issues from trade to security. Saturday’s meeting marked their second face-to-face since a California meeting last year and their third overall.
Xi said it is inevitable for major powers like China and the U.S. to have differences, but neither side should undermine the other’s core interests or seek conflict. He stressed the importance of cooperation in areas such as trade, public health, response to climate change, AI, and addressing global conflicts, urging enhanced dialogue to achieve win-win outcomes.
Xi-Biden meeting sends positive signal to the world
Experts said that despite the Biden administration nearing the end of its term, the meeting held positive significance in alleviating global anxiety, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zhou emphasized that Trump’s return could introduce uncertainty to bilateral relations. Coupled with the global economic slowdown and conflicts like those in Middle East and Ukraine, this heightens unpredictability in global politics.
” President Xi’s meeting with Biden demonstrates that China and the U.S. can resolve their differences and avoid conflict, sending a strong message of stability and positive prospects for their relationship, ” Zhou said, adding that this also helps reduce global anxiety.
Wang said Trump’s primary focus is likely to be on revitalizing the domestic U.S. economy.
” The recent meeting essentially sets the tone for the future: a contest centered on domestic development, ” Wang said. He added that the meeting signals to future U.S. administrations that suppressing China will not hinder its growth but will harm the U.S.’ international image.
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CGTN