Agreement Between the U.S. and China to Enhance Cooperation to Avoid Conflict

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed their responsibility to the world to avoid conflict as the leaders of the world's two largest economies began talks on Monday. Xi described Biden as a "longtime friend" and emphasized the need for both sides to enhance communication and cooperation to tackle the numerous challenges they face. Xi promised to address areas of concern for Washington, including human rights and other issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden told Xi from the meeting table in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, "Perhaps I should start more formally, although you and I have never been formal with each other in this way," as he smiled broadly while the Chinese president appeared on a large screen. He added that the bilateral relationship between the two countries "has a profound impact, it seems to me, not just in the two countries but, quite frankly, on the rest of the world." The American president clarified that the leaders must ensure that the relationship does not devolve into open conflict, as reported by Reuters. Xi, for his part, stated, "As the two largest economies in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the United States should increase communication and cooperation." The talks aim to ease tensions in their relationship, as there are disputes between the U.S. and China regarding issues such as the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade rules, competition, the expansion of China's nuclear arsenal, and increasing Chinese pressure on Taiwan.