Author: Niu Tanqin, Senior Media Personality
It came suddenly yet was more within expectations. On the evening of April 2nd, Beijing time, leaders from China and the United States had a phone call.
This marked the first time the two leaders had spoken since their meeting in California at the end of last year.
What intrigued me the most, and also the most interesting detail, is that Joe Biden once again assured China, and this time, it was a solemn assurance!
According to Xinhua News Agency’s report, Biden’s assurance was quoted directly in the first person.
Joe Biden stated, “The relationship between the United States and China is the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world. The progress made in U.S.-China relations since the San Francisco meeting demonstrates that the two sides can actively promote cooperation while responsibly managing differences. I reaffirm that the United States does not seek a ‘new Cold War,’ does not seek to change China’s system, does not seek to oppose China by strengthening alliances, does not support ‘Taiwan independence,’ has no intention of conflict with China. The United States adheres to the one-China policy. China’s development is beneficial to the world, and the United States does not seek to contain China’s development or seek decoupling with China.”
Previously, we often referred to Biden’s assurance as “Four No’s and One Unintentional,” but from this recent report by Xinhua News Agency, at least on the public level, it practically amounts to “Six No’s and One Unintentional.”
Namely, the United States:
- Does not seek a “new Cold War”;
- Does not seek to change China’s system;
- Does not seek to oppose China by strengthening alliances;
- Does not support “Taiwan independence”;
- Does not seek to contain China’s development;
- Does not seek decoupling with China;
- Has no intention of conflict with China.
Of course, in addition to Biden’s assurances, there were many significant details in this crucial moment of the phone call.
For instance, the frankness and candor of the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.
He told Biden that in the months following the San Francisco meeting, there has been a stabilization in U.S.-China relations, but on the other hand, “negative factors in the bilateral relationship have also increased, requiring both sides’ attention.”
Moreover, he issued a stern warning.
For example, on the Taiwan issue.
He told Biden that the Taiwan issue is the first and foremost red line in U.S.-China relations. Regarding the activities of “Taiwan independence” forces and external support, we will not tolerate them.
Clear and unequivocal, there is no room for doubt.
He also told Biden that the United States has been continuously implementing economic, trade, and technological suppression measures against China, and the list of sanctions against Chinese companies is growing longer. This is not about “risk mitigation” but about creating risks.
He warned: If the United States is willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and share the dividends of China’s development, China’s doors will always be open; if the United States insists on suppressing China’s high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate development rights, we will not stand idly by.
Confronting the issues directly, speaking bluntly.
He also outlined several major principles for China-U.S. relations this year.
Firstly, harmony is precious.
Secondly, stability is paramount.
Thirdly, trust is fundamental.
I believe Biden has taken some of this on board. Hence, his repeated assurance of “Six No’s and One Unintentional.”
The White House also released a photo, taken in the Oval Office, showing Biden recording notes while on the phone.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency and disclosures from the White House, the following steps are not ruled out:
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen and Secretary of State Blinken will visit China again soon. Biden has made it clear that arrangements will be made, and China has expressed its welcome.
-
More communication, including phone calls between leaders. According to the White House, both sides agreed that they would “pick up the phone to talk when necessary.” Just think about it, in these few days, there have been significant events happening in the world.
-
More practical cooperation on AI, climate change, fentanyl, and other aspects. Both sides have also agreed to take further measures to expand cultural exchanges between the two countries and enhance communication on international and regional issues.
China and the United States need to cooperate, and the world also needs cooperation between China and the United States. Without cooperation, many problems in the world will not be solved.
It reminds me of some resounding words spoken by the Chinese leader during previous video meetings with Biden.
History is just, and the actions of a politician, whether right or wrong, will be recorded by history.
China emphasizes that words must be believed and actions must be taken seriously. If you say something, you must do it, and if you can’t do it, don’t say it.
Actions speak louder than slogans…
Today’s China is not the China of the past.
The world is at a major historical turning point. We see that the world today is neither peaceful nor stable; the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, Gaza is in tears, there’s turmoil in the Red Sea, and Israel just bombed the Iranian embassy in Syria…
What should we do?
I always feel that we should remain calm and confident, calmly facing the changes in the world and being confident that the momentum is on our side. As the leader said before, relying on tenacious struggle to open up new prospects for development, the most fundamental thing is to do our own things well.
Certainly, there are challenges for China, but with China’s development to this point, as long as we do our own things well, work together with unity, inclusiveness, and openness, what is there to fear?
Of course, Biden’s solemn assurance, reiterated time and time again, must be backed by actions. In the words of the leader, we must “fulfill our respective commitments with actions”!
“Six No’s and One Unintentional,” let it be recorded.