The pair agreed on a variety of confidence-building measures, together with a resumption of high-level military-to-military communications. However Biden quickly after known as his Chinese language counterpart a “dictator” for the second time this yr — angering Beijing.
Burns known as the assembly in California “productive,” explaining that each international locations have up to now adopted by way of with their commitments.
“I’m cautious about this, perhaps practical — hopeful, if you’ll,” he stated. “However hopeful is completely different than being optimistic.”
Burns additionally blasted Beijing for the latest uptick in harassment by Chinese language Coast Guard forces of Philippine vessels in areas of the South China Sea which can be inside Manila’s territorial waters.
Later within the occasion, the ambassador known as for an easing of relations between the U.S., China and others within the area.
“The individuals of China are usually not our enemy,” he stated. “We do need to dwell in peace with China. No particular person of their proper thoughts ought to need this relationship to finish up in battle or conflict.”
Phelim Kine contributed to this report.