China's President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden extended mutual congratulations on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, as announced by the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday.
In his message, President Xi highlighted that both countries have "weathered the storms and moved forward in general," contributing to the well-being of their populations and global peace, stability, and prosperity. He termed the establishment of ties between China and the US as a "major event" in bilateral and international history.
Despite recent tensions, officials from the Biden administration have engaged with counterparts in Beijing, aiming to rebuild communication and trust. The high-stakes summit between Xi and Biden in November in San Francisco was seen as an opportunity to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies.
President Xi emphasized that the summit has provided direction for future bilateral relations under a forward-looking vision. He expressed willingness to collaborate with President Biden to guide the China-US relationship for mutual benefit, promoting peace, development, and global causes.
President Xi also exchanged New Year's messages with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, declaring 2024 as a "friendship year" for both nations and launching various activities. He expressed China's readiness to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance cooperation, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Additionally, President Xi exchanged New Year's greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Xi emphasized the need for continuous consolidation and development of ties, featuring permanent good-neighborly friendship, strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Xi, in his New Year's address, asserted that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, adopting a stronger tone compared to the previous year, just ahead of the island's upcoming elections. The statement reflects China's longstanding claim over Taiwan, which remains a contentious issue in the region.
