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Washington.  – Chinese President Xi Jinping said he is willing to work with the United States on the condition of mutual respect as an anticipated virtual meeting with President Biden nears, according to reports.

The two presidents, who have not met in person since Biden’s election, are expected to hold a virtual summit soon, diplomats said. CNN quoted sources as saying the talks could take place next week.

President Xi set a conciliatory tone in a letter read by Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang at the New York-based National Committee on US-China Relations’ annual gala, CNBC reported. 

The committee is a non-profit committed to improving relations between China and the US. It was live-streamed to China on Tuesday night in New York,  and yesterday morning in Beijing.

“Right now, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. Both countries will gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” President Xi said, according to an embassy statement.

““Following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board. Cooperation is the only right choice,” he said.

“China stands ready to work with the United tates to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly address regional and international issues as well as global challenges and, in the meantime, properly manage differences.”

Relations between the United States and China have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the US worried about President Xi’s assertive push both at home and abroad.

Mr Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on China of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations considering a rising China to be the top challenge of the 21st century.

But Mr Biden, who as vice president met extensively with President Xi, has also indicated he will take a more diplomatic tone and prioritize working with allies on concerns about China.

Mr Biden initially hoped to meet President Xi on the sidelines of the recent Group of 20 summit in Rome but the Chinese leader has not gone abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Rome with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. – AFP