Last week, the White House announced that President Joe Biden (D) will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping face-to-face in San Franciso this week. On Monday, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) released a statement ahead of the meeting saying, “Xi needs to understand that the United States will not be intimidated.” Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
“President Biden needs to clearly lay out the steep consequences China will face if their aggressive behavior in the South China Sea continues. Xi needs to understand that the United States will not be intimidated, and we will continue to support our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” Rogers said. “President Biden must also stand up for our military’s ability to freely operate in the South China Sea – China’s dangerous harassment of our pilots and sailors needs to come to an end.”
The two world leaders previously met in Bali, Indonesia.
“We spent a lot of time together and — back in the days when we were both vice presidents, and it’s just great to see you,” Biden said to Xi when the two previously met in Bali. “And you and I have had a number of candid and useful conversations over the years and since I became President as well. You were kind enough to call me to congratulate me, and I congratulate you as well. And I believe there’s little substitute, though, for — to face-to-face discussions.”
“As the leaders of our two nations, we share a responsibility, in my view, to show that China and the United States can manage our differences, prevent competition from becoming anything ever near conflict, and to find ways to work together on urgent global issues that require our mutual cooperation,” Biden continued. “And I believe this is critical for the sake of our two countries and the international community.”
“The world expects, I believe, China and the United States to play key roles in addressing global challenges, from climate changes to food insecurity, and to — for us to be able to work together,” Biden said. “The United States stands ready to do just that — work with you — if that’s what you desire. So, President Xi, I look forward to our continuing and ongoing open and honest dialogue we’ve always had. And I thank you for the opportunity.”
“Since you assumed the presidency, we have maintained communication via video conferences, phone calls, and letters,” Xi told Biden through an interpreter. “But none of them can really substitute for face-to-face exchanges. And today, we finally have this face-to-face meeting. From the initial contact and the establishment of diplomatic relations to today, China and the United States have gone through 50-plus eventful years. We have gained experience, and we’ve also learned lessons.”
“As leaders of the two major countries, we need to chart the right course for the China-U.S. relationship,” Xi continued. “We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship. A statesman should think about and know where to lead his country. He should also think about and know how to get along with other countries and the wider world.”
Rogers represents Alabama’s Third Congressional District.
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