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US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed an investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus, the White House said.
White House press secretary Jen Saki said at a briefing on the 10th (local time) that “President Biden and President Xi discussed a variety of transnational issues, including COVID-19. It’s a topic that has been raised, but I won’t go into further detail.”
Earlier this month, President Biden announced that he would urge China to answer the question of the origins of the coronavirus. However, China denies US claims that it did not cooperate with the investigation into the origins of the virus.
Reuters quoted a government official as saying that Biden had no plans to retaliate or increase the “cost” of the US if China refuses to cooperate on an investigation or other matter.
At the same time, Spokesperson Saki said that the conversation between the US and China leaders took place for 90 minutes in a polite and sincere atmosphere.
He explained that the two leaders discussed climate change and human rights as topics, and discussed economic matters, but they did not play a large part.
White House press secretary Jen Saki added that the two leaders did not show any disrespect or attempt to teach each other.
Meanwhile, Xinhua reported that during the call, Xi told President Biden that the two countries should respect each other’s concerns.
Xi also told President Biden that “positive factors should be added to US-China relations” and continued dialogue and cooperation on climate change, epidemic prevention and control, and economic recovery.
jrkim@news1.kr
