The fact that they have returned to dialogue is already a sign of thaw, but the differences between the United States and China remain.

«We have made some important progress, the talks were very constructive and productive, the aim was to understand each other clearly and ensure that the competition does not lead to conflict. And overcome differences in a world large enough for the coexistence and success of the USA and China ."

This is how Joe Biden summarized his 4-hour face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping in a scenic residence on the outskirts of San Francisco , the first after a year in which relations between the two countries had reached their lowest point.

But if the dialogue has resumed, several issues and tensions remain: from Taiwan to economic relations, undermined for China by US sanctions and limitations on hi-tech exports and for Washington by the lack of equal competitive conditions.

Furthermore, which is no small feat from a diplomatic point of view, Biden once again publicly defined Xi as "a dictator", in the sense, he attempted to nuance, that "he is leading a communist country". A similar statement infuriated Beijing not long ago.

Biden raised his concerns about China's failure to respect human rights, including those in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. The most important achievement, however, is the restoration of communications at the highest level, with a direct line between the two leaders in case of crisis , as Biden announced. The military hotline, canceled by Beijing after then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial visit to Taiwan in 2022, has also been re-established.

Agreement with Xi also for a Chinese crackdown against the production and export of the chemical precursors of Fentanyl , the low-cost synthetic opioid that claims tens of thousands of victims every year in the USA. The commitment to cooperate on the climate was also confirmed, although Biden asked Beijing to do more. Also intended to discuss artificial intelligence.