President Joe Biden met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Washington D.C. on October 27, 2023. This meeting marked the first high-level in-person meeting between the U.S. and China since Biden took office. The meeting was held in the context of strained relations between the two countries, with issues such as trade, human rights, and Taiwan being key points of contention.
Wang Yi's visit to Washington was seen as a significant step in diplomatic relations, as it was the first time a senior Chinese official had visited the U.S. capital since the start of the Biden administration. The meeting was described as 'constructive' by both sides, with discussions focusing on areas of common interest, including climate change and the ongoing global pandemic.
However, the meeting did not shy away from contentious issues. Both sides acknowledged the existence of 'profound disagreements' on certain matters. The U.S. reiterated its concerns over human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, while China expressed its opposition to U.S. support for Taiwan. Despite these disagreements, both sides expressed a willingness to work towards improving relations and managing differences in a 'constructive manner'.
The meeting between Biden and Wang Yi was seen as a potential turning point in U.S.-China relations, which have been marked by tension and rivalry in recent years. However, it remains to be seen whether this meeting will lead to a significant shift in the dynamics between the two countries.