Hotline to Avoid World War III? Biden’s Plan to Talk Directly with Xi

President Joe Biden of the United States (right) and President Xi Jinping of China are seen walking side by side after a meeting on the 15th (local time) near Woodside, San Francisco, where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting is being held. The two leaders held their second face-to-face meeting since each took office./AFP-Yonhap News

The U.S. and Chinese leaders agreed to stabilize conflicts and clashes between the two countries during a meeting held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Amid heated international politics due to Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas, both countries agreed to stabilize the current situation somewhat.

Managing U.S.-China Competition

However, the two countries failed to reach an agreement in areas of mutual interest while maintaining hegemonic competition and strategic competition. As President Biden emphasized the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to China and reiterated the importance of inter-Korean relations, attention is drawn to whether cooperation between South Korea and China will be established about the Korean Peninsula issue.

According to the White House on the 16th, President Biden agreed with President Xi on the need to manage ‘competition’ between the two countries at the Filoli Estate near San Francisco on the 15th (local time).

President Biden said at the meeting, “We must prevent U.S.-China competition from turning into conflict,” and “China turning its back on us (the U.S.) is not an option. Conflict and confrontation will lead to more difficult situations.”

President Joe Biden of the United States is meeting with President Xi Jinping of China at the ‘Filoli Estate’ in Woodside, California, on the 15th (local time), in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. President Biden emphasized, “We must prevent competition from turning into conflict” and “We must manage competition responsibly.” /Yonhap News

Xi responded, “The world economy is recovering, but its momentum is still weak and threatened by disruptions and protectionism. This is all a serious problem.” He added, “We should develop in a direction that aligns with the interests of the people of both countries and fulfills responsibilities.” It seems that an agreement was reached only in areas of mutual interest while maintaining the essence of hegemonic competition and strategic competition. Examples include the agreement to resume military dialogue and cooperate on fentanyl (a narcotic analgesic).

Critical Issues Discussed: Taiwan and Technological Hegemony

When Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited China in August last year, China cut off communication channels with the U.S., including high-level communication with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Department of Defense working meeting, the Maritime Security Consultative Body meeting, and the commander-level call, in protest of her visit to Taiwan. However, the agreement to resume military dialogue and cooperate on fentanyl at this meeting has aspects of returning U.S.-China relations before Pelosi visited Taiwan.

President Biden said at a press conference, “President Xi and I agreed to pick up the phone and talk directly to each other in case of a crisis.” It can be interpreted as an intention to create a hotline beyond the military level.

President Xi Jinping of China (first from the left) is having a meeting with President Joe Biden of the United States on the 15th (local time) near San Francisco, California, in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Amid the international upheaval caused by two wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the two leaders held a face-to-face summit for the first time in about a year./Yonhap News

Interlocked with the issue of military dialogue, President Biden presented key conflict issues such as the Taiwan issue and technological hegemony to President Xi on the same day but did not show an inch of concession. President Xi argued, “Suppressing China’s science and technology is suppressing China’s development and depriving the Chinese people of their right to development,” and “We should support China’s peaceful reunification by putting down the Taiwan independence issue and armament.” He also demanded that military activities near the Taiwan Strait be restrained and the Taiwan election process be respected. This is interpreted as a message not to interfere in the Taiwan presidential election in January next year.

Future Course of the Korean Peninsula

In this context, President Biden, who publicly emphasized the United States’ ongoing commitment to the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” to China, draws attention to the future course of the Korean Peninsula. So far, the U.S. has emphasized the need for a firm and united response at the level of the UN Security Council, citing frequent missile provocations by North Korea.

Prospects for U.S.-China Cooperation

Some argue that a foundation for cooperation with China can be established only when conflicts between the U.S. and China are eased. Although an immediate approach is complex, dialogue and communication with China will continue.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with reporters on the same day and predicted, in response to a question about whether a similar position could be taken if a Korea-China meeting is held, with President Biden emphasizing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to China, “There are no specific details set. However, suppose a Korea-China meeting is held in conjunction with APEC. In that case, it is expected that discussions between the leaders will be held regarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”

By. Park Young Hun