China’s President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their two countries, as announced by the Chinese foreign ministry.
In his congratulatory message, President Xi remarked that China and the US have “weathered the storms and moved forward in general,” highlighting the positive impact on the well-being of their respective peoples and the contribution to global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Xi characterized the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the US as a “major event” in the history of bilateral and international relations. Despite recent tensions, the Biden administration has engaged with Beijing, working to rebuild communication channels and trust leading up to a significant summit between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November.
Referring to the summit, Xi mentioned that it has set the direction for the future of China-US relations under a forward-looking vision. Expressing his willingness to collaborate with President Biden, Xi stated his commitment to steering the relationship for the benefit of both nations, their peoples, and the global cause of peace and development.
As the US approaches its presidential election in November, Xi’s message comes amid campaigns involving former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of China, and incumbent President Biden.
Xi also exchanged New Year’s messages with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, declaring 2024 as a “friendship year” for both nations. The leaders expressed a commitment to deepening strategic mutual trust, enhancing cooperation, and contributing to regional peace and stability.
On New Year’s Eve, Xi exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Xi emphasized the need for both nations to strengthen their permanent good-neighbourly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in light of Russia’s growing economic reliance on China amid increasing isolation and sanctions.
In his New Year’s address, Xi reinforced China’s commitment to the “reunification” with Taiwan, stating it as inevitable. This declaration was more assertive compared to the previous year, signaling a stronger stance on Taiwan’s status as the island nation prepares for upcoming elections.
The year 2024 also holds significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, established by Mao Zedong in 1949. Despite the passage of time, the civil war with the Republic of China, which led to the exile of Chiang Kai-shek’s government to Taiwan, remains unresolved, and no peace treaty has been signed. Xi’s remarks underscored the Chinese perspective on the inevitability of reunification with Taiwan.
