'Earth is big enough for the both of us,' Xi tells Blinken

Chinese president Xi Jinping told US secretary of state Antony Blinken that their countries "should be partners and not rivals" shortly after Beijing warned Washington against crossing its red lines in high-stakes meetings aimed at stabilising relations between the world's two largest economies.

- SHWETA SHARMA

Mr Xi met Mr Blinken before the American diplomat concluded his three-day visit to Beijing yesterday, an unexpected direct meeting with the Communist Party leader signifying an effort to ease emerging flashpoints.

“I have said many times that the Earth is big enough for China and the US to develop and prosper respectively,” Mr Xi said.

The talks were being closely watched by allies and adversaries of both countries, including Russia and Taiwan.

Russian president Vladimir Putin announced his own potential visit to China next month to strengthen their “no limits” partnership, which is one of the points of contention between Beijing and Washington.

Mr Blinken had earlier met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi for over five hours behind closed doors to discuss the most contentious issues on the table, including American aid to Taiwan and China’s support for the Russian defence industry.