Biden and Xi Meet in Woodside, California for Constructive and Productive Summit

WOODSIDE, CA (AP) – U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met yesterday in Woodside, California for a summit, the first time the two leaders had spoken in a year. The meeting was held at a luxury estate and included a formal bilateral meeting, a shared lunch with top advisers, and a stroll around the grounds.

At a news conference after the meeting, Biden said the summit went “well” and that it included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.” He added that the two sides would “keep the lines of communication open” and that Xi was “willing to pick up the phone.”

The two leaders discussed a number of topics, including plans to reduce the transport of fentanyl and the resumption of direct military talks to prevent unintentional conflict. Biden also urged Beijing to respect the electoral process in the upcoming presidential election.

However, the two sides remained far apart on some key issues, including Taiwan. Chinese officials urged support for China’s “reunification” with the self-governing island nation, while Biden urged respect for the electoral process.

Overall, the summit was seen as a positive step forward in the relationship between the U.S. and China. Biden gave a thumbs up in response to shouted questions by reporters, and the two sides agreed to keep the lines of communication open.