Biden and Xi shake hands for the first time as presidents ahead of their meeting in Bali

November 14 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The presidents of China and the United States, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, respectively, shook hands for the first time on Monday as leaders ahead of a meeting scheduled for this day within the framework of the G20 summit being held in Bali, Indonesia.

Thus, both leaders have greeted each other and have expressed their desire to hold the imminent talks, according to information from the television network. “I have committed to keeping the lines of communication open between us personally because our countries have an opportunity to address many issues,” Biden said in statements prior to the start of the meeting.

“As leaders of these two countries, we have a responsibility to show that China and the United States can manage their differences, prevent competitiveness from turning into conflict, and find ways to work together on global issues that require our cooperation,” he said.

However, the Biden Administration has clarified that, at least in principle, the parties will not make joint statements and has insisted on not making “concessions on fundamental matters.”

The Asian giant’s Foreign Ministry has indicated that Beijing seeks “to achieve a form of coexistence acceptable to the parties while defending its own sovereignty, security and interests,” according to the newspaper ‘South China Morning Post’.

The meeting comes three months after the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, made a controversial visit to Taiwan, an issue that has fueled controversy and encouraged military maneuvers by China in the area.

Bien and Xi are expected to address, among other issues, their respective relations with Russia, also a member of the G20, in the midst of the invasion of Ukraine, which began nine months ago.