Xi Jinping’s meeting with Joe Biden did not yield a major breakthrough. But China claimed victory
And although Monday’s virtual summit between the two leaders contained no substantive policy on key issues like climate, trade, pandemics or arms control, it did set up a Dialogue can be constructive, potentially de-escalating tensions – and allowing a return to a more constructive and stable relationship.
But while the mood music coming from both countries is certainly positive, a closer examination shows that Beijing feels it has more to cheer for.
The Communist Party of China (CCP) considers “reunification” with Taiwan – an autonomous democracy that the country has never ruled – as an important unresolved issue on the road towards “youthfulness”. great civilization” of China.
Therefore, the fact that an American President is able to agree with China’s position on the issue is a major propaganda victory. But that’s not quite what Biden said, according to a briefing on the meeting from the White House – in fact, he didn’t mention independence at all.
“Regarding Taiwan, President Biden emphasized that the United States remains committed to the ‘one China’ policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances, and that the United States responds strongly oppose unilateral efforts to alter the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” the White House said.
In the so-called “one China” policy of the United States, Washington acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China, but has never endorsed the CCP’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. It maintains close informal relations with Taipei, and is obligated to provide the island with the means to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act.
A 3,900-character news release released by China’s Foreign Ministry again quoted Mr. Biden as saying the US did not support Taiwan independence, but it did not mention Washington’s strong stance against “those unilateral efforts to change the status quo”.
Instead, it shows Mr. Xi delivering a head-on – and a veiled threat – in Washington.
According to a Chinese report, Mr. Xi blamed rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait on what he called Taipei’s attempt to “rely on the US for independence”, as well as the “intentions of some people”. Americans use Taiwan to contain China.”
“Such moves are extremely dangerous, like playing with fire. Anyone who plays with fire will get burned,” Mr. Xi told Biden, according to China News.
“We are patient and will strive towards the prospect of peaceful reunification with sincerity and best efforts. However, if the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces incite, coerce, or even overcome Crossing the red line, we will have to take drastic measures,” Xi added.
Such strong rhetoric is likely to resonate with China’s domestic audience, many of whom staunchly support reunification with Taiwan.
Mr. Xi further consolidated his power at the key Communist Party meeting last week, paving the way to securing a third or more term in office. And now, domestically, he is also depicted as having emerged triumphantly from his meeting with Biden.
“Of course, in China, they have to claim victory. That’s why they insist that the authorities say victory,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, an expert on Chinese politics at Hong Kong Baptist University. Biden reiterated their opposition to Taiwan independence.
For Beijing, the context of the meeting is at least as important as its content.
In the Chinese capital, the virtual summit was held in a red-carpeted, yellow-painted hall in the Great Hall of the People. The faces of Mr. Xi and Mr. Biden appeared side by side on a large screen that broadcasted the meeting, while China’s leaders, including Mr. Xi, sat meters away on the other side of the room. — a setting markedly different from what American officials had in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.
According to the Chinese article, Mr. Xi likened China and the US to two giant ships at sea, each of which needs to be steered firmly to avoid collision.
“In a sense, it gives China many facets, many status – great power status. Biden has accepted dialogue with China on a scale, mentioning the main issues that both countries have We need to tackle it together, from climate change, says Cabestan, from North Korea to Afghanistan.
And for Mr. Xi, building bridges with Biden and working to move bilateral relations towards a more normal direction also helps his domestic political agenda.
“So this is (will) be an important year, and I think President Xi will mainly focus on debunking those risks and uncertainties in the US-China relationship so that he really focuses on that.” into domestic politics in preparation for the Party Congress,” said Haenle.
Ryan Hass, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said domestic factors are likely to play too big a role for both leaders next year.
“Neither leaders would want to be seen as softening their approach to the other, but at the same time, neither leader would see a profit in allowing the relationship to escalate significantly,” he said. beyond the current stress level”.
“As such, the relationship between floor and ceiling is likely to be fairly solid next year.”
.
