Xi, Biden Talk About Trade Practices, Human Rights in First Call
President Joe Biden spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for two hours, underscoring “his fundamental concerns about Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices,” as well as human rights abuses in Xinjiang, according to a White House readout of the Feb. 10 call. In comments to reporters Feb. 11, he said it was a “good conversation.”
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A lengthier readout from the state-run Chinese Xinhua News Agency also said it was an in-depth conversation, according to an unofficial translation. The report pushed back against Biden's messages on Uighurs in the Xinjiang region, the crackdown on demonstrations in Hong Kong and aggressive moves toward Taiwan.
“Taiwan, Hong Kong-related issues, and Xinjiang-related issues are China's internal affairs, which are related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States should respect China's core interests and act cautiously,” China said. “Although there have been many twists and turns and difficulties [since Sino-American relations were established], the overall progress has continued and fruitful results have been achieved, benefiting the people of the two countries, and also promoting world peace, stability and prosperity. Cooperation between China and the United States will benefit both, and struggle will hurt both.”
The summary also said: “Xi Jinping emphasized that China and the United States will have different views on some issues. The key is to respect each other, treat each other as equals, and properly manage and handle them in a constructive manner.” White House officials told reporters on a background briefing ahead of the call that there would be adjustments to Trump's China trade policy, and those changes “will depend on internal consultations across government and consultations with partners in Europe and Asia.” The tariffs will remain during the review, they reiterated.