US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a four-hour summit at the historic Filoli estate, seeking to ease escalating tensions between their nations. The leaders, walking through the estate’s gardens, agreed to restore high-level military communication, severed by China after a controversial visit by then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022.
WATCH: US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping go for a one-on-one stroll on the grounds of the Filoli estate south of San Francisco
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However, the diplomatic facade cracked when, departing from his prepared script, Biden referred to Xi as a “dictator” during a press conference. This unexpected remark added a controversial edge to the proceedings, overshadowing the agreements reached.
"After today, would you still refer to President Xi as a dictator?" asks a reporter.
"Look, he is. He's a dictator in the sense that he's a guy who runs a country that is a communist country that's based on a form of government totally different than ours," says Pres. Biden. pic.twitter.com/JjZeGBNcU2
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Amid the picturesque setting and carefully planned symbolism of the day, the leaders also discussed China’s commitment to crack down on fentanyl production, addressing a major concern for the United States in the ongoing opioid crisis. Xi expressed sympathy for the victims of the deadly drug that has ravaged American communities.
The Taiwan issue remained a significant point of contention, with Xi urging Biden to stop arming the self-ruling democracy. Xi asserted that reunification was “unstoppable,” underscoring the persistent divide on this sensitive matter.
Despite disagreements, Biden described the talks as “constructive and productive” in a press conference at the Filoli estate. The leaders emphasized the importance of open communication to prevent potential conflicts, particularly in the realm of military affairs.
The carefully orchestrated summit, featuring red carpet handshakes, extensive delegations, and a working lunch, aimed to navigate the complex dynamics between the world’s two largest economies. The leaders’ stroll through the gardens and shared meal sought to project an image of cooperation, but Biden’s unscripted remark added an unexpected and controversial twist to the day.
As both nations grapple with global challenges, including conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the summit highlighted the delicate balance in US-China relations. Russia, often seen as a partner in a growing authoritarian alliance with China, welcomed the meeting, deeming it “important for everyone” amidst the complex web of international relations.
