In a significant moment at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, US President Joe Biden shared a nostalgic photo with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The image captured a visibly younger and smiling Xi Jinping against the iconic backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.

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During the encounter, President Biden, displaying the photo on his cellphone, prompted a conversation with President Xi, asking, “Do you know this young man?” President Xi, reminiscing, responded, “Oh yes, this was 38 years ago,” as revealed by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on social media platform X.

Pointing to a photo in his phone with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, President Biden asked President Xi, “Do you know this young man?” “Oh yes,” said President Xi, “this was 38 years ago.”🌞 pic.twitter.com/r65Em6Z7oS

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) November 16, 2023

The post quickly gained traction across social media, illustrating the personal exchange between the two leaders. Following their meeting, Xi Jinping addressed business executives, emphasizing China’s commitment to cooperation with the United States.

“China never bets against the United States. We have no intention to challenge or unseat the United States,” President Xi declared. He outlined China’s principles, asserting that, regardless of its development stage, the nation would not pursue hegemony, expansion, or impose its will on others. President Xi conveyed China’s disinterest in spheres of influence and its commitment to avoiding both cold and hot wars.

“We’ll be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing, and prosperous US. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China or interfere in China’s internal affairs. We should instead welcome a peaceful, stable, and prosperous China,” President Xi added.

In a move towards diplomatic progress, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden agreed to restart high-level military-to-military talks, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The leaders expressed their commitment to resuming these talks on the basis of equality and respect.

Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to establish joint government discussions on the use of artificial intelligence, reflecting a collaborative approach to emerging technologies. Additionally, a working group on counternarcotics cooperation was set up, underlining the shared commitment to addressing common challenges.

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The historic meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden at the APEC summit signals a renewed diplomatic dialogue and a commitment to fostering cooperation in various spheres, from military communication to cutting-edge technologies. As the world watches these developments unfold, the prospects for strengthened ties between the United States and China appear promising.