Biden and Xi Meet, Delivering Messages Seemingly Intended for Trump

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a virtual meeting, their first since Biden took office earlier this year. The meeting, which lasted for nearly three and a half hours, covered a wide range of issues including trade, human rights, and regional security.

While the official statements released by both sides were diplomatic in nature, there were underlying messages that seemed to be directed at former President Donald Trump. Throughout his term in office, Trump took a hardline stance against China, imposing tariffs and engaging in a trade war that strained relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Biden emphasized the importance of constructive competition between the United States and China, rather than engaging in a zero-sum game. This was a clear departure from Trump’s confrontational approach, which often led to tensions between the two superpowers.

Xi, for his part, called for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between the two countries. This can be seen as a veiled criticism of Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and actions towards China during his time in office.

The meeting also touched on human rights issues, with Biden raising concerns about China’s crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. While Xi defended China’s policies in these areas, he also expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the United States on human rights issues.

Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi can be seen as a step towards resetting relations between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized the need for cooperation on issues such as climate change and global health, signaling a willingness to work together despite their differences.

The messages delivered during the meeting were seemingly intended for Trump, who often took a more aggressive and confrontational approach towards China. By adopting a more diplomatic tone, Biden and Xi have laid the groundwork for a more constructive relationship between the two countries moving forward.

It remains to be seen how the relationship between the United States and China will evolve in the coming months and years. However, the meeting between Biden and Xi is a positive sign that both sides are willing to engage in dialogue and find common ground on key issues.