Emphasizing Cooperation and Respect Amidst Ups and Downs in the Relationship

China Responds to Biden's Farewell Address

In response to President Biden's farewell foreign policy address, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun highlighted the ups and downs of China-US relations over the past four years, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation.

Guo acknowledged the challenges faced in the relationship, stating that China has stood firm on its principles and defended its interests while responding to the US's actions with countermeasures. He also noted the positive aspects, including the establishment of guiding principles, dialogue, and cooperation mechanisms.

During President Xi Jinping's meeting with President Biden in Lima, Peru, the two leaders reviewed the experiences of the past four years and identified key takeaways for the future. These include maintaining a correct strategic perception, aligning actions with words, treating each other as equals, respecting red lines and paramount principles, engaging in dialogue and cooperation, meeting the expectations of the people, and taking responsibility as major countries.

Guo expressed hope that the US will take these lessons to heart and work with China to build a more stable and cooperative relationship.

Professor Li Haidong of the China Foreign Affairs University contrasted the US's competitive and zero-sum approach with China's holistic view and emphasis on win-win cooperation. He stressed that cooperation between the two countries can only be truly beneficial if the US respects China's legitimate development rights.

Li also criticized the Biden administration's handling of US-China relations, arguing that it has contributed to the worsening of the US's domestic crisis. He pointed to the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, the chaos in the Middle East, the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the risky approach towards China as evidence of the administration's failures.

Liu Weidong, a research fellow at the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, questioned Biden's self-assessment of his foreign policy record. He argued that the reality of the escalating conflicts, humanitarian disasters, and risky approaches towards China paints a different picture.

Liu believes that Biden's address was an attempt to secure his political legacy and reassure allies of the US's commitment, despite the upcoming change in administration.