Xi Jinping expressed China's willingness to collaborate with the United States to enhance relations between the world's largest economies. In a letter dated January 4, Xi emphasized China's commitment to promoting stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations, as reported by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
Xi also underscored the importance of seeking mutual benefits for the two nations' peoples and contributing more public goods to the international community. The goal, according to Xi, is to work towards security, common prosperity, and openness, as per the statement.
These remarks emerged amid increased diplomatic engagements between China and the US, signaling progress since Xi and President Joe Biden agreed late last year to mend the strained relationship. Notably, US and Chinese defense officials resumed policy coordination talks at the Pentagon this week, marking a breakthrough for the Biden administration.
US Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer had candid and constructive discussions with senior diplomat Liu Jianchao, according to the White House. Liu's US visit also involved meetings with Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, as well as former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Timothy Geithner, focusing on building trust and reducing suspicions.
People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng also held discussions with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers during his visit to China. While the recent diplomatic efforts represent a positive shift, challenges may arise this weekend as Taiwan holds elections to choose a new president. China has expressed its intention to eventually bring Taiwan under its control, while Biden has asserted the US commitment to defend Taiwan in case of an attack.
In response to a question about the delegation plan during a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned and opposed it, stating that the Taiwan issue is China's foremost redline that should not be crossed.
Despite differences over Taiwan and various other longstanding issues, both sides appear determined to prevent the relationship from being undermined. Xie Feng, Beijing's top envoy in Washington, acknowledged that there is no room for compromise on Taiwan, but he also highlighted positive developments between the two countries, emphasizing the need to make the China-US relationship work
