US President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping he hopes to have a frank conversation on human rights and security issues as the two begin a meeting meant to cut back tensions between the world's two largest economies.
"Maybe I should start more formally, although you and I have never been so formal about each other," Joe Biden said at their virtual summit, their most important discussion since Joe Biden assumed the presidency of the United States last January.
Xi Jinping said he was happy to see Joe Biden, whom he called an "old friend", and said the two countries should strengthen their communication and cooperation in order to resolve the challenges they face.
"I am ready to work with you," continued the Chinese president.
Guardrails
The US president added that the two leaders must ensure that their relations do not drift into open conflict, including by installing safeguards.
He also promised to address issues of human rights and the Indo-Pacific zone.
The summit, initiated by Joe Biden, began on Monday shortly after 7.45 p.m. US time (00.45 GMT Tuesday) and could last "a few hours," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier. during the day.
The discussions aim to stop the conditions for competition between the United States and China.
The US president is also expected to pressure China to respect international trade and security rules.
But in Washington as in Beijing, expectations are tempered on this discussion, which should not lead to "concrete results", warned the White House.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Monday that the two leaders "will have a frank, deep and comprehensive exchange of views" on their bilateral ties, which stand at "a critical crossroads."
With Reuters
and AFP
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