We are pleased to see talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping over the Taiwan situation, with early vibes suggesting they have been positive. The two presidents met on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia, and both expressed their desire for constructive dialogues. That, we believe, is extremely crucial at this juncture, given how tensions between the two sides have been rising in recent years. In addition, in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, the global economy has been going through a very difficult time which can only be overcome with collective efforts of all nations, particularly the two most influential global players – US and China.

Recently, one of the main points of contention between them has been Taiwan. We have seen both China and the US increase their military activities near the country, as well as their rhetoric. Officials from the two sides have also thrown a number of accusations at each other, which only increased tensions. Needless to say, any form of conflict around Taiwan will negatively affect the entire world, again, and our region will not be sparred either. Under the circumstances, we would very much like for any possibility of conflict to be avoided, as would the rest of the world.

Even though both parties had previously expressed similar desires, it is imperative for both to stop any form of provocation, as that could easily lead to escalations potentially resulting in conflict, as we've seen happen in the case of Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has thrown the world into huge uncertainties, and has greatly destabilised global trade and economy. Therefore, we desperately hope the two presidents realise that the world cannot afford any escalation of tensions right now. This could lead to an even bigger catastrophe, causing more suffering. As well as the Taiwan issue, another factor contributing to tensions between the US and China is that of global supremacy. Given the huge cost to human lives caused by previous such endeavours – particularly the atrocities that occurred in the 20th century due to countries pursuing such hegemonic ambitions – we would call on both countries to abandon the idea of world domination, either overtly or covertly.

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Peace, stability in the Taiwan Strait balanced on a razor’s edge

Instead, the two countries, given their influence in the world, should pursue cooperation. Both will benefit from that. 

The US and China also have a huge part to play in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as in avoiding any nuclear war. We hope they will come to a settlement over their differences, and work to resolve other issues that are plaguing the world, including various economic problems, particularly those that have arisen because of the US-China trade war. That, truly, would display the kind of leadership that the world needs from them at this moment.