President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reached a significant agreement, addressing the production of illicit fentanyl and the resumption of military-to-military communications. The announcement came following a four-hour bilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, marking the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since November 2022.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to take steps to restart military-to-military communications, a crucial aspect to prevent misunderstandings and maintain global stability. Additionally, President Xi committed to undertaking actions to “dramatically curtail” the production of precursors to fentanyl.
Biden, speaking during a press conference, expressed the importance of direct and honest communication in diplomatic relations. He emphasized the need for transparent dialogue with competitors, stating, “We’re talking to our competitors and just talking, just being blunt with one another, so there’s no misunderstanding is a key element to maintaining global stability and delivering for the American people.”
Looking ahead, Biden highlighted the commitment to high-level diplomacy between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The presidents agreed on the necessity of direct communication, with Biden stating, “He and I agreed that each one of us wants to pick up the phone call directly and we’ll be heard immediately.”
To initiate the steps for military-to-military communication, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to meet with a yet-to-be-identified Chinese counterpart to discuss implementing a policy framework. The lack of such communication has been a cause for concern, as Biden acknowledged that it can lead to potential accidents.
The discussion also touched upon tensions between China and Taiwan, with Biden emphasizing the United States’ commitment to maintaining peace and stability. Xi acknowledged the need for peace but hinted at the necessity for a broader resolution in the future.
The leaders delved into various global issues, including concerns regarding the Ukraine-Russia war and the “next steps” in the Middle East. Artificial intelligence was also on the agenda, with both leaders recognizing the need for more serious interactions before making any declarations or framing on the matter.
Summing up the meeting, a senior administrative official noted, “President Biden did not pull punches. He was respectful but very clear.” The discussions underscored the importance of open communication and collaboration on critical global issues between the two influential leaders.
