Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden had a “candid and in-depth exchange of views” on strategically important issues in bilateral relations as well as major global issues, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry readout of the two leaders’ meeting.
In the 1,600-word readout, the ministry said the world is big enough for the two countries to coexist and prosper together.
“The two sides should form a correct perception of each other’s domestic and foreign policies and strategic intentions,” it said.
“China does not seek to change the existing international order or interfere in the internal affairs of the United States, and has no intention to challenge or displace the United States.”
The ministry said Xi gave a full account of China’s position on the Taiwan issue during the meeting.
“He stressed that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations,” it said.
“Anyone that seeks to split Taiwan from China will be violating the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation; the Chinese people will absolutely not let that happen!” it added.
Xi also defended China’s human rights records and governance system, saying that China has “Chinese-style democracy” that fits its national conditions, according to the readout. He acknowledged the differences between China and the US, but stressed that they should not become “an obstacle to growing China-US relations.”
“The Chinese nation has the proud tradition of standing up for itself. Suppression and containment will only strengthen the will and boost the morale of the Chinese people,” the readout said.
