Last face-to-face between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, who discussed China-United States competition and Taiwan

American leaders met in Lima, Peru. They discussed Sino-American relations, with Biden calling for their competition not to “drift” into “conflict”, as well as US support for Taiwan.

Chinese Presidents Xi Jinping and American President Joe Biden met on Saturday November 16 in Lima for a final official tête-à-tête, before Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The leaders discussed the upcoming transition but also the sensitive point of Taiwan, on which Xi called on the United States not to cross any line. “red line”.

The Chinese president assured his American counterpart that Beijing would work towards a “smooth transition” with the new administration of Donald Trump, during a final official tête-à-tête between the two leaders on Saturday in Peru after an Asia-Pacific summit.

Both countries should “continue to explore the right path” to get along and “achieve long-term peaceful coexistence”declared Xi Jinping, quoted by the state agency Xinhua, at the start of their meeting in the Peruvian capital. He assured that China was “ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences” in sight “a smooth transition” bilateral relations.

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Echoing this, Joe Biden said that the two countries must do everything to prevent competition between them from “drift into conflict”during the 1h40 tête-à-tête, according to the American presidency, which was held in the hotel where the Chinese president has been staying since Thursday. “Our two countries cannot let this competition drift into conflict. It’s our responsibility and, over the last four years, I think we’ve proven that it’s possible to maintain this relationship.”he added.

Joe Biden, who is making one of his last major international outings, said he “proud of the progress made” to stabilize the relationship between Washington and Beijing. “We haven’t always agreed, but our conversations have always been frank”he said.

“Red line” on Taiwan

The leaders also discussed the case of Taiwan, an ultra-sensitive point in Sino-American relations. Xi Jinping urged the United States not to cross the line “red line” in their support of the island claimed by China: he claimed that “the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights” as well as China’s political and economic system and its development interests “are China’s four red lines that must not be questioned”reported Chinese state television CCTV.

“These are the most important safeguards and safety net for China-US relations”added Xi Jinping according to CCTV. He condemned the “separatist actions” leaders of Taiwan by believing that they were “incompatible with peace and security” in the region.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it will not rule out the use of force to bring the island back under its control. In recent years, it has increased its military pressure by sending warplanes, drones and ships around the island almost daily.

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The United States is Taiwan’s main security supporter, even though it does not diplomatically recognize the island. During his meeting with Joe Biden, Xi Jinping also affirmed that Washington “should not intervene in bilateral disputes […] and not tolerate or support provocative actions” in the South China Sea, according to CCTV.

This meeting between the leaders of the two superpowers was the last before the return to the White House in January of Donald Trump, whose first term (2017-2021) was marked by tensions and a trade confrontation with China. And during his campaign, the billionaire promised to protect American industry, threatening to impose tariffs of 10 to 20% on imported products and up to 60% on those from China. He has also already appointed to his team those who take a hard line against Beijing.

The meeting took place at the end of the 31st edition of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, which brings together 21 economies representing 60% of global GDP. The summit saw expressed by several leaders fears of “protectionism” et “isolationism”in more or less obvious references to the next presidency of Donald Trump.