Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a speech to American business executives in San Francisco, highlighted a crucial choice facing the U.S. and China — whether to be adversaries or partners. This statement contradicts the Biden administration’s strategy, which leans towards strategic competition with Beijing, incorporating limitations on advanced tech exports while exploring potential areas of collaboration.
Speaking at a dinner following his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, Xi shared his reflections on navigating the complexities of China-U.S. relations. Central to his discourse was the pivotal question: Are the two nations adversaries or partners? Xi underscored the significance of answering this question to guide policy decisions effectively and avoid unintended consequences.
Xi articulated a straightforward logic, cautioning against viewing the other side as a primary competitor and a significant geopolitical challenge. Such a perspective, he argued, could lead to misinformed policy-making and undesirable outcomes. Emphasizing China’s readiness to be a partner and friend to the United States, Xi reiterated the fundamental principles guiding China-U.S. relations: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
The dinner, attended by nearly 400 prominent figures, including business leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, featured Xi’s insights into China’s openness to international initiatives such as the Belt and Road, welcoming U.S. participation. Xi also expressed China’s willingness to engage in U.S.-proposed multilateral cooperation initiatives.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo set the stage for Xi’s address with opening remarks. Xi’s approximately 30-minute speech highlighted China’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with the United States, asserting that historical trends in their relationship would persist despite evolving global landscapes.
Xi’s proposition of a clear distinction between adversaries and partners in China-U.S. relations reflects the ongoing dynamics between the two nations. As the world watches these geopolitical interactions, the choices made by both countries will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of international cooperation and competition.
