U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping convened for approximately four hours to discuss a range of topics, encompassing drug trafficking and military conflicts.
Ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit, Biden welcomed the Chinese leader at the Filoli estate, a property featuring country residences and gardens located roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
The key points addressed during their meeting are outlined below.
TAIWAN
Xi conveyed to Biden, based on a prominent U.S. standard, that Taiwan represented the most significant and perilous concern confronting both nations during their extensive deliberations on the matter.
As per an official account, the Taiwanese president indicated no immediate intentions of resorting to military force against Taiwan in the near future but did discuss the potential for such action.
Regarding the Taiwan Strait, Biden underscored the critical nature of maintaining peace and stability. The U.S. official further mentioned that Biden urged Xi to respect Taiwan’s democratic processes.
Xi responded, emphasizing the importance of progress towards decisions beyond mere concord.
MILITARY DISCUSSIONS
Following a visit to Taiwan by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, Beijing declared a mutual agreement to sustain their military ties.
A seasoned U.S. official noted that Biden unequivocally called for both countries to establish military dialogues, with plans for Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense, to engage with his Chinese counterpart once identified.
LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION
Biden asserted that he and Xi reached an understanding on fostering high-level communication channels.
Post-meeting, Biden informed investigators, “He and I concurred that either of us can initiate a direct call and expect prompt attention.”
DIPLOMACY AND ENGAGEMENT
The meeting report from Beijing emphasized the importance of increased support, dialogue, and mutual respect. As per Chinese state media under Communist Party control, Xi highlighted the need for China and the U.S. to set a positive example for other nations, promoting collaboration across various sectors such as business, agriculture, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
An insider familiar with the negotiations indicated that Beijing also sought a demonstration of respect during the visit.
FENTANYL CRISIS
A U.S. representative disclosed that Biden and Xi agreed to collaborate on addressing the fentanyl issue, a potent opioid linked to numerous drug overdoses in the U.S.
Under the agreement, China committed to promptly target specific chemical manufacturers producing fentanyl precursors.
IRAN ENGAGEMENT
According to a senior U.S. official, Biden urged China to engage with Iran and encouraged the avoidance of actions that could be construed as provocative, alongside discussions on the persistent challenges in the Middle East.
Chinese authorities reportedly engaged in conversations with the U.S. regarding regional security concerns involving Iran.
AI SECURITY
The leaders also delved into discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), acknowledging the substantial risks associated with its application in nuclear or military contexts.
The senior U.S. official noted a shared focus on AI practices that could pose threats or vulnerabilities, although neither side committed to a joint declaration.
Monitoring and reporting were provided by Mason, Jeff, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal, Heather Timmons, and Stephen Coates.
