Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) has exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
Xi, in his message, said both nations have “weathered the storms and moved forward in general,” which has enhanced the well-being of their peoples, and contributed to world peace, stability and prosperity, a ministry statement said.
Xi called China and the US forming ties “a major event” in the history of bilateral and international relations.
Photo: EPA-EFE
China-US ties have been frosty, but Biden administration officials visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications and trust in the months leading up to a high-stakes summit between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November last year, deemed an opportunity to cool tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Xi said the summit has pointed out the direction for both nations’ ties, under a future-oriented vision.
“I am willing to work with President Biden to continue to steer and navigate the China-US relationship for the benefit of China and the US and the two peoples, and to promote the cause of world peace and development,” Xi said.
The US is due hold its presidential election in November, in which former US president Donald Trump, an outspoken critic of China, is campaigning against Biden to return for a second term.
Xi also exchanged New Year’s messages with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, and both announced this would be a “friendship year” for both nations, the foreign ministry said separately.
Xi said China is willing to work with North Korea to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance exchanges and cooperation, promote greater bilateral ties and make new contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
On New Year’s Eve, the Chinese leader also exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This year is the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic relations.
Russia’s economic reliance on China has grown as the nation becomes increasingly isolated since its invasion of Ukraine.
Xi said China and Russia should “continuously consolidate” and develop ties, along with comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation that would serve both nations’ interests.
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