Chinese, US Presidents Hold Talks on Future Relations

Beijing, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the future of the Chinese-US relations and issues of shared concern. The two presidents had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations and issues of mutual interest. President Xi stressed that the issue of strategic perception is always fundamental to the China-U.S. relationship, just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right. Two big countries like China and the United States should not cut off their ties or turn their back on each other, still less slide into conflict or confrontation, Chinese Xinhua News Agency reported. President Xi stated China's position on Hong Kong-related issues, human rights, the South China Sea, and other issues. For his part, President Biden noted that the U.S.-China relationship is the most consequential relationship in the world. The progress in the relationship since the San Francisco meeting demonstrates that the two sides can advance c ooperation while responsibly managing differences. The U.S. will send Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China shortly to strengthen dialogue and communication, avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation, Biden announced. Source: Qatar News Agency