Xi Jinping spoke with US President Biden over the phone

Source: Xinhua News Agency

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with U.S. President Biden on the evening of April 2. The two heads of state had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations and issues of common concern.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in November last year, Mr. President and I met in San Francisco, opening the "San Francisco Vision" for the future. Over the past few months, both sides have diligently implemented the consensus we reached, and China-U.S. relations have shown a trend of stabilization, welcomed by various sectors of both countries and the international community. On the other hand, negative factors in the bilateral relationship have also increased and require attention from both sides.

Xi Jinping emphasized that the issue of strategic perception has always been the "first button" that China and the United States must fasten. As two major countries, China and the United States cannot avoid contact, nor can they confront each other. Instead, they should respect each other, coexist in peace, cooperate for win-win results, continue to move forward on a stable, healthy, and sustainable path, rather than backtrack.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China-U.S. relations this year should adhere to several major principles. First, valuing harmony, uphold the bottom line of non-conflict and non-confrontation, and continuously enhance positive expectations for China-U.S. relations. Second, prioritizing stability, refrain from causing trouble, picking fights, or crossing boundaries, and maintain overall stability in China-U.S. relations. Third, building on trust, fulfill commitments with actions, and turn the "San Francisco Vision" into reality. Both sides should strengthen dialogue in a respectful manner, manage differences prudently, promote cooperation with a spirit of mutual benefit, and enhance international coordination with a sense of responsibility.

Xi Jinping stressed that the Taiwan issue is the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations. Regarding separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and external indulgence and support, we will not turn a blind eye. It is hoped that the U.S. will translate President Biden's positive stance against "Taiwan independence" into action. The U.S. has been imposing a series of economic, trade, and technological suppression measures against China, with the list of Chinese companies being sanctioned growing longer. This is not about "risk mitigation" but about creating risks. If the U.S. is willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and share the dividends of China's development, China's door is always open; if the U.S. insists on suppressing China's high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate development rights, we will not stand idly by.

Xi Jinping elaborated on China's positions on issues related to Hong Kong, human rights, the South China Sea, among others.

Biden stated that U.S.-China relations are the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world. Progress in U.S.-China relations since the San Francisco meeting shows that both sides can actively promote cooperation while responsibly managing differences. I reiterate that the U.S. does not seek a "new Cold War," does not seek to change China's system, does not seek to oppose China by strengthening alliance relationships, does not support "Taiwan independence," and has no intention of conflict with China. The U.S. adheres to the One-China policy. China's development is beneficial to the world, and the U.S. does not seek to contain China's development or decouple from China. It is willing to arrange for Treasury Secretary Yellen and Secretary of State Blinken to visit China soon, strengthen dialogue and communication with China, avoid miscalculations, promote cooperation, advance the stable development of bilateral relations, and jointly address global challenges.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and other issues.

Both leaders agreed that the call was candid and constructive. They agreed to continue communication, instruct their respective working teams to implement the "San Francisco Vision" well, advance diplomatic, economic, financial, and commercial consultations, as well as military communications, engage in dialogue and cooperation in areas such as drug control, artificial intelligence, and climate change, take further measures to expand people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and strengthen communication on international and regional issuesChina welcomes Treasury Secretary Yellen and Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit