The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with U.S. President Joe Biden on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to the ministry's statement, Xi noted in his message that the two countries have "weathered storms and moved forward overall," which has enhanced the well-being of their peoples and contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the world.
Xi described the establishment of relations between China and the United States as a "major event" in the history of bilateral relations and international relations. Relations between China and the U.S. have been frosty, but Biden administration officials have visited Beijing to meet with their counterparts to rebuild communication and trust in the months leading up to an important summit between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November, which is seen as an opportunity to ease tensions between the two countries, the largest economies in the world.
Xi stated that the summit would set the direction for relations between the two countries with a future-oriented vision. He added, "I am willing to work with President Biden to continue guiding and managing China-U.S. relations for the benefit of both China and the United States and their peoples, and to promote the cause of peace and development in the world."
Separately, the Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi also exchanged New Year's greetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, with both declaring that 2024 would be the "Year of Friendship" for their countries through a series of activities for this purpose. On New Year's Eve, the Chinese president also exchanged New Year's greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia this year.
