The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the details of the meeting between Xi and Biden within the scope of the Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Lima, the capital of Peru. Accordingly, Xi pointed out that the Taiwan issue, democracy and human rights, China’s path and system, and the right to development are “four red lines that should not be crossed” and “the most important protection lines and safety net in relations.”
INtimidation of the USA on the TAIWAN ISSUE
Emphasizing that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait cannot be compatible with separatist activities aimed at Taiwan’s independence, Xi said, “If the US side is sincere about maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, (Taiwan leader) Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) “They must clearly see the true face of their authorities who want Taiwan’s independence.” he said.
Xi called on the United States to “handle the Taiwan issue with additional caution”, opposing Taiwan’s independence and supporting China’s peaceful reunification.
“ESTABLISHING SMALL GARDENS WITH HIGH FENCES SHOULD NOT BE THE WAY OF A BIG COUNTRY”
The Chinese leader also expressed his views on the economic and commercial relations between the countries with the world’s two largest economies.
Expressing that the Chinese people’s “right to development” cannot be ignored or deprived of it, Xi underlined that every country has the right to ensure its own national security, but that the boundaries of the concept of national security should not be overextended and used as an excuse for malicious actions aimed at limiting or surrounding other countries.
Xi stated that humanity is facing increasing conflicts and many unprecedented challenges in a world in turmoil, and that in this environment, great power competition should not be the basic logic of the time, and only cooperation and solidarity will help humanity overcome difficulties.
Pointing out that breaking economic ties and disrupting supply chains is not a solution, and that common development can only be achieved through mutually beneficial cooperation, the Chinese leader said, “Establishing small gardens with high fences should not be the path of a big country. The welfare of humanity can only develop with openness and sharing.” he said.
“The USA SHOULD NOT INTERVENE IN CONFLICTS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA”
Xi argued that China has sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, which is the subject of sovereignty disputes with other coastal countries, and pointed out that the best way to manage disputes between states in the region is dialogue and consultation.
Referring to the recent conflicts between China and the Philippines on some reefs that form part of the Spartly Islands in the South China Sea, Xi said, “The United States should not intervene in bilateral disputes on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea and should not provoke provocations.” he said.
Xi stated that China’s stance and actions on the Ukraine issue have always been open and fair, that it has carried out shuttle diplomacy and mediation to promote peace talks, and that it has made every effort to reduce tensions and achieve peace.
Pointing out that China will not allow conflict and turmoil on the Korean Peninsula, Xi emphasized that it will not remain a bystander to situations that threaten its strategic security and fundamental interests.
“‘THUCIDIDES TRAP’ IS NOT INEVITABLE”
Referring to the historical narrative of the Ancient Greek historian Thucydides about the “dominant power-rising power” struggle between the city-states of Sparta and Athens, Xi said that the power struggle between the USA and China is an inevitable situation. Referring to the “Thucydides Trap” analogy he used when discussing whether it would turn into a conflict, he said:
“It is important to have the right strategic perception in relations. The ‘Thucydides Trap’ is not a historical inevitability. A new Cold War with no winner should not be attempted. Trying to surround China would be an irrational and unacceptable strategy, doomed to failure.”
Emphasizing that China and the United States should treat each other equally, Xi said that the two major countries should not try to shape the other according to their will, pressure the other from the so-called “position of power” and deprive the other of the legitimate right to development in order to maintain their leading position.
The USA and China have maintained a tense relationship in recent years, with many disagreements ranging from trade to economic security and technological competition, from sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea to the Taiwan issue.
The two countries maintained a relationship that was initially confrontational during the Biden presidency, but in recent times the search for dialogue came to the fore. It is predicted that relations may become more tense on both the trade and strategic competition fronts, with Biden taking over from Donald Trump, who was elected as the 47th President of the USA in the presidential elections held on November 5.
Source: AA