The tensions between the US and China are great.
Before the talks began, the US said that Biden was betting on “tough competition”.
Xi initially pleads for mutual respect.
Beijing / Washington - US President Joe Biden and Chinese party leader Xi Jinping have started their eagerly awaited video conference.
It is the first personal, albeit virtual, encounter since Biden took office in January.
Before that, both of them had only phoned twice.
At the start on Tuesday morning, Beijing local time, state and party leader Xi said that China and the US should respect each other, peacefully coexist and cooperate, as quoted by the state media.
Both countries should also live up to their international responsibilities.
The conversation takes place against the background of growing tensions between the two largest economies.
The relationship between the two great powers is more strained than ever since diplomatic relations were established in 1979. Both see themselves as competitors.
Numerous points of contention
Points of contention include China's threats against Taiwan, the ongoing trade war, the human rights situation in China, dealing with the Uyghurs and Tibetans, and the suppression of the democracy movement in Hong Kong.
Washington also follows China's claim to power in Asia with great suspicion.
China, in turn, accuses the US of wanting to slow down its rise in the world.
Beijing also complains of increasing American protectionism.
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The US also made it clear that it expected China to adhere to international standards.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Deputy Prime Minister Liu He, who is responsible for trade relations with the United States, are taking part in the talks, according to state media.
On the US side, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen were among them.
dpa