WASHINGTON — The U.S. won’t change its stance toward China as a result of Xi Jinping seizing more power in a key Communist Party congress, with advisers still trying to set up a meeting between President Joe Biden and the Chinese leader, U.S. officials said.
The conclusion of the 20th Communist Party congress last week, in which Xi installed allies in top posts and paved the way for a third five-year term, “doesn’t change our approach” to China, State Department spokesman Ned Price said Monday. That strategy includes competing on security matters while cooperating wherever possible on global issues with the People’s Republic of China.
“We do note the conclusion of the 20th Party congress,” Price told a briefing. “And we would welcome cooperation of the PRC where our interests align, and that includes cooperation on climate change and on global health, counter narcotics, non-proliferation as well.”
