US-China talks begin: Biden hopes to discuss human rights and security issues, Xi greets his 'old friend'

A virtual US-China summit kicked off on Tuesday morning (IST). While US President Biden said he hopes to discuss human rights and security issues, China's Xi Jinping stated that he was very happy to see his 'old friend'.

US President Joe Biden told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that he hoped to have a candid conversation about human rights and security issues as the two began a meeting meant to lower tensions between the two global superpowers.

"Maybe I should start more formally, although you and I have never been that formal with one another," Biden told Xi over a video conference as the two leaders engaged in their most extensive talks since Biden became president in January.