Xi-Biden Meeting Yields Pledge for Better Military Communications, Anti-Drug Cooperation

The Chinese and U.S. presidents agreed to resume high-level communication between the two countries’ militaries and better cooperate in combating illicit drugs such as fentanyl

President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Joe Biden at Filoli Estate in California Wednesday. Photo: Xinhua

President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden agreed Wednesday in San Francisco to resume high-level communications between the two countries’ militaries and better cooperate in the global fight against illicit manufacturing and trafficking of drugs like fentanyl, according to statements released by both sides.

The two presidents also agreed to establish an intergovernmental dialogue mechanism to address the risks of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, as well as significantly boost the number of flights between the two countries early next year and expand non-governmental exchanges.

The four-hour summit at the Filoli Estate south of San Francisco was Xi and Biden’s first face-to-face meeting in a year.

During the meeting, Xi said China remains committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States, though China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi said China and the U.S. should manage their disagreements effectively, and disagreements should not be a chasm that keeps the two countries apart, according to Xinhua.