SAN FRANCISCO (TVBS News) — In a crucial summit in Woodside, California, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions amid rising tensions, including Taiwan and the upcoming presidential elections.
The meeting, significant in its attempt to thaw frosty relations since Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit last August, opened channels for military communication but left critical questions, particularly on Taiwan's issue, largely unaddressed.
During a press conference, a foreign press representative questioned President Biden about potential Chinese interference in the upcoming elections. Biden responded, "Well, I may have had that discussion with him, too."
He added: "Made it clear I didn't expect any interference, any at all. We had that discussion as he was leaving." This response underscores the delicate nature of U.S.-China relations and the Biden administration's stance on non-interference in domestic affairs.
In his remarks, President Xi Jinping emphasized China's non-intrusive policy, stating, "China has never bet that the U.S. would lose. We have never interfered with the internal affairs of the U.S. We ask that the U.S. do the same and not bet on our loss." This statement reflects China's stance on mutual respect and non-interference, a significant point considering the recent strains over Taiwan.
President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. longstanding policy on China, reiterating, "I reiterated what I’ve said since becoming president, what every previous president of late has said, that we maintain the agreement that there is a One-China Policy, and I'm not going to change that. That’s not going to change." This clarification comes amid speculation and concerns over the U.S. stance on Taiwan.
While the summit concluded with agreements on curbing fentanyl trafficking and resuming military contacts, it avoided deeper issues that underscore U.S.-China relations.
As the U.S. heads toward its 2024 elections, critics of the Democratic Party highlight the problematic nature of "strategic ambiguity," especially concerning U.S. policy toward Taiwan's defense.
Analysts, including CNN's Beijing Bureau Chief Steven Jiang, noted the summit's limited progress, citing a persistent gap in mutual understanding and strategic objectives. The meeting, while opening dialogue, seemed to maintain the status quo, leaving observers to ponder the future trajectory of U.S.-China relations.