* President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries for the cameras at the top of their virtual summit Monday night
* Xi referred to Biden as an 'old friend,' while Biden noted that the two men have 'spent an awful lot of time talking to each other'
* 'Maybe I should start more formally even though you and I have never been that formal,' Biden then said
* Biden told the Chinese leader he was looking forward to a 'candid and forthright discussion'
* He hoped the conversation would will ensure 'simple, straightforward competition' between China and the United States
* 'We need to establish some common-sense guardrails,' Biden said, adding, 'especially on vital global issues like climate change'
* Biden also shared that he and Xi have 'always communicated with one another very honestly and candidly'
* 'We never walk away wondering what the other man is thinking,' Biden said
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries for the cameras at the top of their virtual summit Monday night.
Xi referred to Biden as an 'old friend,' while Biden noted that the two men have 'spent an awful lot of time talking to each other.'
'Maybe I should start more formally even though you and I have never been that formal,' Biden then said.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Here is China's take on this summit .... Update: Xi-Biden’s rare long virtual meet concludes, ‘injects certainty into bilateral ties’ (Global Times).
As to what is my take. As I had predicted .... it was all scripted. President Biden literally read from a prepared script, and Chinese President Xi just responded.
After the cameras left the discussions lasted longer. But I am willing to bet that it was the senior officials in the room that did all the talking.
More News On The Biden-Xi Summit
Biden and Xi meet virtually as US-China chasm widens -- AP
Biden-Xi talks: Leaders conclude first virtual summit, says state media -- BBC
Biden-Xi virtual summit: US president warns nations must not ‘veer into conflict’ -- The Guardian
US president warns China's Xi nations must not ‘veer into conflict’ -- France 24
Joe Biden, Xi Jinping meet virtually amid deepening US-China divide -- DW
Biden, Xi kick off virtual meeting with calls to increase communication -- CNBC
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold virtual meeting -- ABC News Australia
Xi calls Biden 'my old friend' after US president had insisted they were not close -- FOX News