Secretary Antony J. Blinken And People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping Before Their Meeting

PRESIDENT XI:  (Via interpreter) Mr. Secretary, welcome to China.  Director Wang Yi and State Councilor Qin Gang have met or held talks with you at length, and generally speaking the two sides have had candid (inaudible) discussions.  The Chinese side has made our decision clear, and the two sides have agreed to follow through the common understandings President Biden and I had reached in Bali.  The two sides have also made progress and reached agreement on some specific issues.  This is very good. 

It’s safe to say that interactions should always be based on mutual respect and sincerity.  I hope that through this visit, Mr. Secretary, you will make more positive contributions to stabilizing China-U.S. relations. 

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Mr. President, thank you for receiving us today.  President Biden asked me to travel to Beijing because he believes that the United States and China have an obligation and responsibility to manage our relationship.  The United States is committed to doing that.  It’s in the interest of the United States, in the interests of China, and in the interest of the world. 

Over the past few days I have had candid and constructive conversations with State Councilor Qin Gang and Director Wang Yi.  We covered a broad range of both bilateral and global issues.  I appreciate this opportunity to discuss the way forward with you.  Thank you.