Meeting Joe Biden, Xi Jinping Affirms Seven Principles Of China's Relations United States

President of the United States, Joe Biden and President of China, Xi Jinping. (id.usembassy.gov)

President Xi Jinping emphasized seven principles that must be maintained in relations between China and the United States with President Joe Biden, when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, on Saturday (16/11).

"It's a good idea to revisit the experience of the last four years and take lessons from that experience," Xi said as quoted by ANTARA from a written statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

"The first lesson, it is important to have the correct paradigm. The trap of Thucydides is not a historical necessity," he said.

Thucydides' trap refers to an ancient Greek historian's statement that, when a rising force threatens to replace power, war is the most likely outcome.

"The new Cold War is not allowed and cannot be won. Damaging China is an act that is unwise, unacceptable and will surely fail," he warned.

Second, Xi said, it is important to align words with actions.

"A person cannot build himself without credibility. China always keeps its words. If the US always says one thing then does another, it will only damage its own image, as well as China's trust in the US," he said.

Third, it is important to treat the other party equally. As two major countries, Xi said, neither China nor the US should impose mutual desire, pressure, nor seize legal rights in order to maintain their status as leaders.

Fourth, it is important not to challenge red lines and main principles.

"Contradicts and differences between China and the US are inevitable but one party should not undermine the core interests of other parties, let alone seek conflict or confrontation," Xi said.

The principles of "One China" and three communicants with China-US are the political foundation of China-US relations. These principles must be adhered to, he said.

Xi called the problem of Laiwan, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, as well as China's development rights a red line for China.

"These four things should not be challenged because they are the guardrail and the most important safety net for China-US relations," he asserted.

Fifth, it is important to have more dialogue and cooperation.

"In the current situation, the common interest between China-US is actually widespread compared to reduced," Xi said.

He gave an example that cooperation can still be carried out in various fields, including economics, trade, agriculture, eradication of narcotics, law enforcement and public health.

"... also to deal with global challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence and to address international issues," Xi said, explaining.

The two countries must expand the list of collaborations and make larger cooperation cakes to achieve mutually beneficial results.

"Sixth, it is important to respond to the people's expectations. China-US relations must always advance the welfare of both communities and bring them closer," said the Chinese president.

To facilitate personnel and cultural exchanges, he said, the two countries need to build bridges and roads, get rid of disturbances and obstacles and refrain from taking any action that has a frightening effect.

Seventh, it is important to move forward to take responsibility as a big country.

"China and the US must always remember the future of mankind and their responsibility for world peace and the provision of public goods," Xi said, adding.

The two presidents are also said to reaffirm seven points of mutual understanding of the principles of guiding China-US relations, namely treating each other with respect and finding ways to coexist peacefully.

Other aspects are maintaining open communication lines, preventing conflict, enforcing the UN Charter, cooperating in fields of common interest, and managing competition issues in relationships responsibly.

"The two countries are ready to enforce these principles, continue to stabilize China-US relations, and ensure a smooth relationship transition," the statement said.