Following a formal discussion at the White House, leaders stepped aside for a working dinner after the meeting between the United States President and the Chinese President. The gathering included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with other senior officials joining as well. The White House press pool described the meal as a working session intended to extend dialogue on a range of pressing issues between the two nations. Citation: White House press pool.
Also present at the dinner were Jake Sullivan, the Vice President for National Security, and Cai Qi, the First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. Their presence underscored the importance of ongoing high level communication as both sides navigate complex bilateral challenges. Citation: White House press pool.
The accompanying note clarified that this meal functioned as a working lunch, during which key topics and policy considerations were explored in a candid, closed setting. The cadence of the discussion reflected a shared interest in stabilizing the bilateral relationship while addressing areas of friction and cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Xi Jinping had commented during the bilateral session with US President Biden that a conflict between the United States and China would carry unacceptable consequences for both countries. He emphasized that competition should not become the dominant frame of reference, arguing that it would not resolve the overarching problems facing China, the United States, and the broader global community. The message framed a call for responsible engagement and a willingness to seek constructive paths forward amid competitive dynamics. Citation: White House press pool.
Plans had already been announced for a broader meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping at the Filoli estate near San Francisco, signaling a sustained effort to advance dialogue beyond the initial talks and to explore mechanisms for managing differences while pursuing common ground.
In related remarks, a former US Secretary of State characterized Russia and China as presenting the most serious threats to the current world order, highlighting the strategic significance of ongoing diplomacy as a tool for addressing global stability and the balance of power. This framing underscored the high stakes involved in any bilateral engagement between Washington and Beijing and the need for clear, mutually understood expectations moving forward. Citation: White House press pool.