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Updated 16:15, 11-Feb-2021
First Voice

Editor's note: CGTN's First Voice provides instant commentary on breaking stories. The daily column clarifies emerging issues and better defines the news agenda, offering a Chinese perspective on the latest global events.

The long-waited talk between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden has taken place on the best of days, but probably not under the perfect circumstances.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, two leaders held their first phone conversation since Biden took office in January. During the call, Xi referred to his conversation with Biden years ago, and said that Biden defined America as "possibilities." It is hoped that these "possibilities" will bring the two countries onto a more positive path of development. Biden echoed the will to build a more positive relationship, stating that the U.S. and China have potential areas of cooperation on issues like climate change.

China does hope that China-U.S. relationship is ushered into a new era, one that allows the co-existence of both countries' core interests and development. But, according to various reports, the call included Biden continuing previous administration's rhetoric on China's domestic affairs and criticized China's human rights record. A senior administration official said that Biden wanted to indicate "this isn't just about American values, it's about universal values."

China-U.S. relationship can't be limited to confrontation. This call came after a series of signaling and political maneuvering. His Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in concurrence with former administration's claim on China's human rights record and repeated his predecessor's characterization of China's Xinjiang policy as "genocide." His Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during his confirmation hearing that he particularly sees China as a "pacing challenge for the department." Biden unveiled a Pentagon group to evaluate U.S.'s national security strategy on China during his first trip to Pentagon just before this call. And he described China as the "most serious competitor" in a Face the Nation interview.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carries out real-combat military exercises, September 13, 2020. /Chinese Defense Ministry

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carries out real-combat military exercises, September 13, 2020. /Chinese Defense Ministry

Competitors can compete. But two largest economies in the world having a battle over whose values are more legitimate is a dangerous turn towards the past if that is materialized.

The U.S. has a record of confusing American values with universal ones. Biden's condemnation of the "human rights abuses" in Xinjiang, for example, is riding on the slipperiest of slippery slopes. And him characterizing China's policies in Hong Kong as "hostile actions" reminds one of the times when the U.S. fancied itself as the policeman of the world and wrecked countries after countries for the "greater good."

Biden's foreign policy team is said to be a "pragmatic" one. If so, then this pragmatism should include recognizing that neither country can shoulder the world's economic development or the international rules alone. The U.S. credibility has already declined. Europe wants to plot its own independent foreign policy. South Asian and Southeast Asian countries have made clear that they don't want to be forced to choose sides between China and the United States. Even if Biden seeks to rebuild the old-fashioned alliance, he is looking at a pool of perceived allies whose loyalties no longer lie completely with the U.S.

China has its priorities. It will do whatever it takes to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Matters pertaining to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang are China's domestic issues. An outside interference in these issues is akin to a national security threat, entailing dire consequences. China is willing to seek common grounds and mutually beneficial agreements in economic development and technological innovation. However, sovereignty can't be compromised.

And for the Biden administration, it is hoped that it will put dialogue and diplomacy above coercive measures. If we want to move forward together, recklessness, unilateralism and ideological purity cannot be the drivers of policies.

Scriptwriter: Huang Jiyuan

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)

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