Building bridges: Understanding the significance of Xi-Biden meeting

Editor's note: Bobby Naderi, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a London-based journalist, guest contributor in print, radio and television, and documentary filmmaker. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The face-to-face meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden on November 15 held significant promise for recalibrating the intricate and "never smooth sailing" relationship between the two global powers.

Set against the backdrop of strained U.S.-China relations, the four-hour discussions in San Francisco marked a turning point with key agreements aimed at resuming military-to-military communications and cooperating on anti-drug policies. These critical outcomes not only addressed pressing bilateral tensions but also brought implications for global peace and stability.

Navigating towards stability

The resumption of military relations that had been cut off as a result of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region highlights an important step in recalibrating mutual understandings and preventing potential misconceptions that could lead to confrontations. The significance cannot be overstated, especially considering recent incidents that highlighted the risks of miscommunication.

The two leaders’ emphasis on institutionalizing these discussions signals a greater commitment toward sustaining long-term stability, which is important in managing the complicated dynamics between the two states, notably in the Asia-Pacific region. The understanding is that major-country competition is not the trend and that it cannot solve the problems facing the two nations.

The collaborative effort to battle the opioid crisis, notably the production and distribution of fentanyl, demonstrated a shared realization of opioids' catastrophic impact on both societies. The deal reflected a cooperative attitude, indicating a recognition of shared responsibilities in solving global challenges.

They reached agreements on several key areas that include curbing the production of illicit fentanyl and resuming military-to-military communications, according to a senior Biden administration official. They also agreed to engage in intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence and add direct flights between the two countries, according to a Chinese state broadcaster.

Confronting shared challenges

Biden's focus on the need to comprehend "leader to leader" highlights the seriousness of the topics covered and the shared accountability in addressing global concerns. This human approach underscores the critical role that interpersonal rapport and understanding play in reducing tensions and promoting positive communication amongst major world powers.

Geopolitical significance is increased by Biden's emphasis on pressing China to utilize its influence to stabilize the Middle East. The powerful countries must work together to preserve global stability, which goes beyond just their respective economies and interests. Such cooperation should include ending the devastating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Equally crucial is President Xi's viewpoint on the China-U.S. relationship as the most consequential bilateral dynamic in the world. It highlights the shared obligations that both nations have. His recognition of the need to avoid confrontation and conflict shows a strategic awareness of the effects such actions would have on the global geopolitical landscape as well as on the two countries.

The leaders' open discussions on other divisive topics, such as technology exports, artificial intelligence, and nuclear transparency, represent a step in the right direction towards understanding and collaboration.

To this end, President Xi has shown a commitment to resolving important issues affecting global economic stability by taking a direct approach to addressing concerns. In his words, turning our back on each other is not an option, and that conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both nations.

On balance, the meeting created a precedent for global collaboration and amicable communication by reopening diplomatic channels and encouraging conversations on important issues. Despite fundamentally different viewpoints, the well-planned meeting's optics demonstrate a dedication to mending fences.

The political backdrop of this meeting emphasizes how important it is to have constructive and productive discussions to establish common ground for the benefit of society as a whole. The initiatives demonstrate how crucial diplomacy is to solving world problems and maintaining stability. They have effects that go well beyond the two countries' immediate environment. By tackling pressing concerns, restoring communication, and promoting collaboration, these measures prepare the ground for a more balanced and secure global environment.

The leaders' cooperative approach to resolving common concerns establishes a precedent for international cooperation as the globe struggles with a variety of issues, from climate change to regional conflicts. The pledge to steer clear of confrontation while maintaining competition sends an important message to the international community about the need for Beijing and Washington to build bridges and engage responsibly.

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