Algora Analysis:
Having failed to persuade the Biden neocon team of the disastrous consequences of the policy of confrontation, President Xi returns to China and reaffirms his commitment to stand firmly by President Putin in the unfolding confrontation with the West. In response, Putin welcomes Xi, in a way reminding him: “I told you so”.
This set of unexpected events, Xi’s sudden visit to the US and his big effort to overcome the breakdown of the relationship with the US appears to be a last ditch effort to convince the US’s political leadership of their wrong path of enmity and invite the American business leaders to share in the fruits of cooperation, rather than confrontation. He resolutely failed. His last meeting with President Biden ended on a deeply negative note given that at a wrap-up press conference Biden called Xi a “dictator” in response to a reporter’s question.
Most likely however was the demand from the US that China accepts American rule and follows the sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran, defers to Israel genocide in Gaza and in general toes the US line as events develop. However, it could be inferred that Xi demurred to subscribe to American demands and was left with some unfriendly words of advice in the sense that China is now in uncharted waters at its own peril. What followed was a public kabuki theater when Biden answered a prearranged question, while cameras were focusing on the facial expression of Blinken. – Should Xi reconsider his refusal, it was an easy way out, as Biden’s gaffe could be explained as the old man’s dementia and not the US policy.
Some of Xi’s words given before US CEOs on foreign investment in China certainly suggested that Beijing is ready for a reset. Below is a section of Xi’s speech.
This part of Xi’s speech to US CEOs (full speech here) is interesting and worth reflecting on: “The number one question for us is: are we adversaries, or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue. The logic is quite simple. If one sees the other side as a primary competitor, the most consequential geopolitical challenge and a pacing threat, it will only lead to misinformed policy making, misguided actions, and unwanted results. China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States,” President Xi began, and continued…
“The fundamental principles that we follow in handling China-U.S. relations are mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Just as mutual respect is a basic code of behavior for individuals, it is fundamental for China-U.S. relations. The United States is unique in its history, culture and geographical position, which have shaped its distinct development path and social system. We fully respect all this.”
“The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics has been found under the guidance of the theory of scientific socialism, and is rooted in the tradition of the Chinese civilization with an uninterrupted history of more than 5,000 years. We are proud of our choice, just as you are proud of yours. Our paths are different, but both are the choice by our peoples, and both lead to the realization of the common values of humanity. They should be both respected.”
“Peaceful coexistence is a basic norm for international relations, and is even more of a baseline that China and the United States should hold on to as two major countries. It is wrong to view China, which is committed to peaceful development, as a threat and thus play a zero-sum game against it. China never bets against the United States, and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it. Instead, we will be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing and prosperous United States.
“Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in China’s internal affairs. It should instead welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China.”
In short, he essentially argued against self-fulfilling prophecies, making the point that one’s view on the other defines the actions towards them, which in turn often validates the biased view even though it might have been wrong. As such the question “are we adversaries, or partners?” has no correct answer: if the US views China as an adversary it will lead them to “misinformed policy making [and] misguided actions”, which in turn will produce “unwanted results”, i.e. turning China INTO an adversary when it needn’t be.
[ . . . ]
Having failed in the US, now the Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed “firm” ties between China and Russia just days after his trip to San Francisco.
Xi said that positive Russia ties will “inject more stability into the world,” according to China Central Television. He affirmed that Beijing stands ready to work with Moscow “resolutely” on bilateral relations and building a permanent friendship.
In response, President Putin sent Xi a congratulatory letter marking the 10th meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia, per Bloomberg.
Xinhua summarized Putin’s letter as follows:
Putin said in his congratulatory letter that the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is at the highest level in history, and the two countries are working together to advance a number of large-scale cooperation projects in the fields of economy, transportation, energy and culture, among others.
The two countries are coordinating positions through bilateral channels and multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS to resolve major international issues and promote the building of a more just and democratic international order.
Are we now going to see a more concerted action by Russia and China concerning the Middle East? Is this the moment of the direct cofruntation between the emerging axes of rivalry, the Western Axis lead by the US, Europe and Israel on the one hand and Russia, China, Iran and the Global South, on the other hand? Quite possible.
