The relationship between the United States and China has been strained for years, precipitated by trade disputes and the differences in their political systems. U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have now agreed to restore diplomatic and military ties, a major breakthrough in efforts to ease tensions between the two countries.
In a joint statement released after a virtual summit, Biden and Xi pledged to “engage on a range of issues, including maritime security, economic development, and other diplomatic challenges.” Specifically, the two leaders agreed to promote dialogues between their militaries “to reduce misunderstandings and avoid miscalculations.”
The restoration of military ties is welcomed by both countries as it presents an opportunity to build trust and prevent future conflicts. According to LBJ School of Public Affairs professor Randall Schriver, the talks are “a symbol of hope” that the two superpowers can “find a better relationship between the world’s two largest economies.”
A key component of the agreement is a confidence-building measure that includes the establishment of a hotline for communication between their militaries. While the hotline will allow them to quickly resolve any potential misunderstandings, analysts caution that this measure is far from perfect. Moreover, this pact does not address the many issues that have continued to strain the ties between the two countries.
Overall, the agreement is an encouraging sign that Biden and Xi understand the importance of fostering better relations between the two countries. It is a positive step, but there is still much work to be done in order to ensure that the tensions between the United States and China do not escalate. Through continued dialogue and cooperation, the two leaders have the opportunity to further build trust and find common ground in their future endeavors.