Pool Reports by Alex Gangitano, The Hill
| Sent: | Reports: |
| November 15, 2023 10:14 PST |
POTUS travel pool report #1- rolling Good morning from San Francisco. I will be your travel pooler today. We have not seen President Biden yet and the motorcade is rolling. We're leaving RON for our first stop of the day. |
| November 15, 2023 10:16 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #2- traveling with Passing along- Traveling with the President via motorcade: Secretary Antony Blinken, Department of State |
| November 15, 2023 10:52 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #3- Filoli The motorcade arrived at Filoli estate at 10:50am after a roughly 35 min drive. Protestors lined the streets for the early part of our trip, many with pro President Xi signs and Chinese flags hung up on security fences. Demonstrators were then gathered with Chinese flags right where the motorcade got off the highway. And, one handwritten sign read, "lost my vote." You can follow along with today's events in the usual spot, https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ |
| November 15, 2023 11:21 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #4- greet President Xi's car pulled into the round, gravel driveway at 11:15am. President Biden stood at the doorway to greet the car. Xi exited the car and approached Biden. The two shook hands and then turned to walk inside. Biden turned around to wave to the press and Xi did as well. They stood for about 3 seconds and then turned towards each other, shook hands again, and went inside. Pool is now holding for the meeting. |
| November 15, 2023 11:40 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #5- meeting Biden began speaking at 11:23am and spoke for about 3 mins. He was flanked by Secs. Yellen and Blinken and sitting across from Xi, who was wearing headphones. 10 others sat on Biden's side of the table and Xi's side of the long table mirrored it. Here are some remarks we could hear from Biden- He said that "key members of our team had important discussions" since the last meeting. "Mr. President, we've known each other for a long time. We haven't always agreed.. but our meetings have always been candid, straightforward." He said it's "paramount that we understand each other truly, leader to leader." Xi began speaking at 11:26am and also spoke for about 3 mins. Biden and Blinken did not wear headphones during Xi's remarks. Xi said (through translator) that the "China-US relationship has never been smooth sailing over the last 50 years or more," and "turning their back on each other is not an option." "Planet earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed." "As long as they respect each other, coexist in peace… they will be fully capable of rising above differences." He said to Biden, "You and I are at the helm of China, US relations… I look forward to having an in-depth exchange." Biden replied, "well thank you Mr. President." Press was then ushered out and Biden did not answer any shouted questions. He had his hand, holding a pen, up against his forehead for a moment while we left the room. Passing along from WH- The President is participating in a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China: U.S. Manifest China Manifest |
| November 15, 2023 11:58 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #6 After reviewing a close-up photograph from inside the room, Biden had an earbud (for the translation of Xi's remarks) in his one ear that was not visible from our angle. |
| November 15, 2023 13:44 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #7- bilat ended President Biden and President Xi's expanded bilat ended at 1:35pm. |
| November 15, 2023 14:18 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #8- lunch President Biden and President Xi's lunch started at 2:07pm. From the WH (**see below for the lunch menu)- The President is participating in a working lunch with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China: U.S. Manifest China Manifest _________ Lunch menu Herbed Ricotta Ravioli |
| November 15, 2023 15:26 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #9- out for a walk President Biden and President Xi went out for a walk around the grounds. Pool spotted them at 3:19pm while they were already walking around. They walked along a brick path, standing close to one another, and appeared to be talking but it was out of our earshot. As they got closer, Biden waved and gave a double thumbs up to the pool. Xi then waved. Q: Mr. President, how are talks going? "Well," Biden replied to pool. Pool was ushered away about a minute later. The programming with Xi is now over, per the White House. |
| November 15, 2023 16:28 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #10- background briefing A senior administration official (SAO) came into the pool tent for a half hour, on background briefing. The SAO said that the bilat took a little over 4 hours and Biden and Xi discussed fentanyl, reinstating military to military talks, AI, climate, Iran, Taiwan. Some notable quotes from a SAO-- Fentanyl- "President basically said, look this one of the worst drug problems the United States has ever faced. Tens of thousands of American perishing annually, critical to get our hands on it. So we worked intensively with every element of the Chinese system on a plan that has the Chinese using a number of procedures to go directly after specific companies that make precursors for Fentanyl." "They're taking a number of steps that are designed to dramatically curtail those supplies." "This will set them back for a time and obviously we're going to want to see whether China continues to follow up. In many respects, the proof is in the pudding here and these are important steps and we think they're important and the president thought this is the important central thing we can do in US- China relations for the American people." The SAO called it a "substantial set of steps that the Chinese have agreed to undertake with trying to address Fentanyl." Reinstate military- to-military talks- "There is almost a complete absence of mill to mill contacts. We have stressed repeatedly in our view that this is deeply irresponsible and dangerous. The president underscored to us over the last several months that it was essential that we re-instate mill to mill talks to several levels. Today the Chinese have agreed to do three things that we thought are significant and that would at least create mechanisms to address either miscalculations, inadvertence, and also create forums for the two sides to be able to present concerns to the other."
AI- "It's basically early stages mechanisms. What we underscored that this was not yet ready for a declaration or some sort of framing by the two leaders. That this is a process that's going to require more serious interactions." Global issues- "President Biden, in the smaller sessions, made clear our concerns about Ukraine, talked about the next steps in the Middle East, explained our desire for China to weigh in with Iran to avoid steps to would be seen as provocative or escalatory, more generally." Taiwan- "they had a substantial exchange about Taiwan "I think President Xi made clear the continuing concerns, underscored that this was the biggest most potentially dangerous issue in US-China relations, laid our clearly that their preference was for peaceful reunification, but then moved immediately to conditions that the potential use of force could be utilized. "I think President Biden responded very clearly that the longstanding position of the United States was a determination to maintain peace and stability. That we believed in the status quo. And that we asked the Chinese to respect the electoral process in Taiwan." "President Xi responded look, peace is all well and good, but at some point we need to move towards resolution more generally." "President Xi basically said look, I hear all these reports in the United States how we're planning for you know, military action in 2027 or 2035. And there seemed a slight amount of exasperation in those comments. And then basically said there are no such plans, no one has talked to me about this." In general- "President Biden did not pull punches. He was respectful but very clear." Compared to Bali meeting (noting that was just coming out of COVID), "This was much more back and forth, give and take. They sat across from each other, only six or seven feet, they could reach across the table. You could see the look on the other person's face." "President Xi made very clear in his discussions that he certainly at this time wants to stabilize relationship with the United States." "He also, I think revealed quite clearly a deep knowledge of some of the debates about China in the United States and I think in some respects, he's quite sensitive to come of those discussions." "President Xi used his time to talk a lot about the central role of the party, he felt that there was a lot of negative publicity and views about the Chinese communist party in the United States, he thought that that was unfair." Biden wished Xi's wife a happy birthday-- her and Biden share the same birthday. Xi said he was embarrassed, had been working so hard and had forgotten that his wife's birthday was next week, He thanked Biden for reminding him, per the SAO. |
| November 15, 2023 17:19 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #11- 2 mins 2 minutes until President Biden's press conference. You can watch it in the usual places. |
| November 15, 2023 17:49 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #12- presser ends President Biden left the room at 5:41pm. He answered shouted questions on his way out from NBC and CNN. Pool is shuffling out. |
| November 15, 2023 18:13 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #13- rolling Motorcade is rolling, leaving Filoli estate at 6:13pm. Pool did not see President Biden on the way out. |
| November 15, 2023 19:01 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #14- Exploratorium Motorcade arrived at the Exploratorium in San Francisco at 6:59pm. President Biden is holding a welcome reception here for APEC leaders. Once we got back into the city, people lined the streets taking pictures and videos of the motorcade. The president is expected to make remarks later during this reception. They will be streamed here- https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ |
| November 15, 2023 19:10 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #15 Participating in a photoline with the President and the First Lady at The Exploratorium: Governor Gavin Newsom (CA) |
| November 15, 2023 19:41 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #16-Biden remarks President Biden began his remarks at 7:40pm. Vice President Harris spoke before him. A video featuring Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, Brandi Chastain, Kristi Yamaguchi, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed played. Kerr then introduced Biden. |
| November 15, 2023 19:48 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #17 Biden spoke for about 5 minutes. The First Lady, Vice President and Second Gentleman sat with world leaders in stands to the right of the stage. Full list below. During his remarks, he called out former speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was in the crowd. He mentioned he met with President Xi earlier today. And he welcomed the group to San Francisco. Passing along— The President and the First Lady are hosting a welcome reception for APEC Leaders. Attendees Speaking Program |
| November 15, 2023 19:57 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #18- entertainment The attendees at the reception were ushered outside for the entertainment portion of the evening. Gwen Stefani took the stage. She sang "Sweet Escape" and "Hey Baby." She thanked the president and First Lady between songs for having her. Pool did not see Biden during the entertainment. |
| November 15, 2023 20:10 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #19 Pool spotted Biden later during "Hey Baby." He was greeting people in the crowd and watching the performance. Another member of the pool saw Canadian PM Trudeau up near the stage. Stefani also sang "Don't Speak" and "Hollaback Girl." Pool was then ushered out. Biden went up on stage as we were leaving. And then fireworks went off. |
| November 15, 2023 20:27 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #20- closing remarks Pool was (quickly) ushered back into the entertainment area. The Bidens, Harris, and Emhoff were on stage watching the fireworks. The First Lady spoke after the fireworks- "What a beautiful way to end our night together and speaking of beautiful, what about Gwen Stefani, isn't she amazing?" The crowd yelled. Biden then spoke- "I'm Jill's husband, Joe Biden, and I work for the vice president. That was a hell of a show. Wasn't it?" "We owe a big debt of gratitude to the new mayor of the city of San Francisco... and Governor Newsom, he's doing a hell of a job." "Anything's possible in this country if you do it together and we're going to start that now and the Pacific's the space to start it." He also joked that the Second Gentleman was trying to keep up with Stefani's dances during the performance. As they were all leaving the stage, Biden and Emhoff talked to Stefani. Harris then hugged her. We are now officially moving out. |
| November 15, 2023 20:29 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #21- rolling Motorcade is rolling. We did not see Biden leave the event. |
| November 15, 2023 20:40 PST |
POTUS Travel pool #22- lid Motorcade got to RON at 8:35pm. We did not see Biden on the way in. Demonstrators with Mexican flags were yelling, pretty close to RON. Pool couldn't hear what they were saying. Otherwise, an uneventful ride. We have a lid, good night all! Thanks for following along with me today. |
Pool Reports below by Lalit K Jha, Press Trust of India
| Sent: | Reports: |
| November 15, 2023 10:14 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 1 Background on POTUS-XI Summit Hi, Good Morning from San Francisco. I am the foreign pooler on this important day of the summit meeting between POTUS and President Xi of China. Background on Biden-Xi summit The much-anticipated Biden-Xi bilateral summit is underway today at the Filoli estate in San Mateo County at 10:45 a.m PST., President Biden will extend his greetings to President Xi, followed by the commencement of bilateral talks at 11 a.m. PST These discussions are expected to be structured into distinct sessions, addressing bilateral issues, global concerns, and transnational matters. Watch both the arrivals and bilat live on White House website and Youtube channel 1. Arrival At 4:15pm PST, President Biden is scheduled to host a press conference. It's open to pre-credentialed media. Watch it live. Announcement: The White House announced the summit on November 10th at 8 a.m. EST Subsequently, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed President Xi's visit to the U.S., making their announcement approximately 30 minutes after the White House declaration. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that the two Presidents will have in-depth communication on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance in shaping China-US relations and major issues concerning world peace and development. It will be a meeting of great importance. According to the White House, this marks their seventh interaction since the inception of the Biden administration, yet notably only the second in-person meeting. This is President Xi's first US visit since April 2017. Their previous one-on-one engagement transpired in November of the previous year, lasting approximately three hours on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022. Additionally, they had two virtual meetings on May 18, 2022, and November 15, 2021. President XI did not attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India in September. President Biden often mentioned that he has met with Xi more than any other world leader has. He has had over 68 hours of private meetings, starting back when he was vice president. He travelled 17,000 miles with Xi. He had another 12-15 hours of discussions just between two of them. Press Release Issued by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on arrival of President Xi in San Francisco. President Xi was welcomed at the airport by Califiornia Governor Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Links to two other press releases issued by the PRC. Agenda According to a senior White House official, the leaders will engage in discussions concerning the strategic direction of the bilateral relationship and the paramount importance of maintaining open lines of communication, including military-to-military dialogue. Their agenda will encompass a wide spectrum of regional and global matters, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, they are expected to explore opportunities for collaboration where the interests of the United States and China converge, particularly on transnational challenges of global significance, such as climate change and counter-narcotics efforts. The two leaders will also likely address other issues like human rights, trade-related issues, the South China Sea dispute, and the pursuit of a fair and equitable environment for US businesses and workers. The White House official emphasized that virtually every aspect of the bilateral relationship will be open for discussion, encompassing topics such as fentanyl, artificial intelligence, and the situation of U.S. detainees in China. Amid the comprehensive agenda, White House officials have provided insight into President Biden's approach to the following issues Taiwan: Notably, Taiwan's upcoming elections in January, a pivotal event with implications for cross-strait relations, demand attention. A senior White House official has articulated the objectives for these meetings, encompassing a reaffirmation of the U.S.'s commitment to the One China Policy. The central focus lies in preserving the status quo and ensuring peace and stability. The U.S. intends to convey unequivocally to China that any interference or actions regarding the elections will elicit grave concerns from the American side. President Biden is also expected to underscore the U.S.'s non-support for Taiwanese independence. On this front, the Chinese side emphasizes that to move toward San Francisco, it is important to return to the Bali consensus, asking the U.S not to support Taiwan independence, not support "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". Military-to-Military Communications: A senior White House official highlights that President Biden has been determined to take the necessary steps to restore the communications between the United States and China on the military side. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, emphasized that irrespective of other developments in the bilateral relationship, maintaining these military-to-military links remains imperative. The South China Sea: President Biden is expected to underscore the US continuing commitment to the Philippines, the US determination to maintain peace and stability and stand by the Philippines in the face of continued provocations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning recently responded that the US needs to stop creating pretexts and interfering in the disputes between China and relevant countries over territorial and maritime rights and interests, still less contain and encircle China by exploiting those issues. Middle East: The White House said President Biden will underscore his desire for China to make clear in its burgeoning relationship with Iran that it is essential that Iran not seek to escalate or spread violence in the Middle East, and to warn quite clearly that if Iran undertakes provocative actions anywhere that the United States is prepared to respond and respond promptly. Russia/Ukraine: NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said that certainly they will want to talk about what's going on in Ukraine, and President Biden will make clear that the U.S. is going to continue to support Ukraine against Russia's aggression. China could play a role here in helping the U.S. support for Ukraine and helping advance President Zelenskyy's vision when the conflict is over. Most recently on Nov 13, Jake Sullivan confirmed that there is no evidence that China is giving military aid to Russia to aid the Kremlin in its aggressive war and military invasion of its neighbor Ukraine. Anticipated Outcomes A senior White House official has articulated the primary objective of the United States as establishing a framework for effectively navigating a challenging, intricate, and multifaceted relationship. In their own words, "This is not the same relationship as it was five or ten years ago. We are not setting our sights on an extensive list of specific outcomes or deliverables. Instead, our objectives are centered on the prudent management of competition, the mitigation of potential conflicts, and the preservation of open lines of communication. We approach these meetings with a grounded sense of realism regarding our expectations, recognizing the imperative of responsible management of this competition, a stance that aligns with the expectations of our partners and allies." Context It is worth observing that in the lead-up to today's meeting, both sides have diligently laid the groundwork. In late October, Wang Yi, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, made a significant visit to Washington, D.C. Early in November, key engagements included Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry's interactions with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen's meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. At a lower diplomatic level, arms control and nonproliferation discussion took place in Washington, D.C. on November 6th. Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, has underscored the collective significance of these diplomatic engagements, characterizing them as conveying a positive signal aimed at stabilizing China-U.S. relations. Additionally, there is encouraging news on the front of people-to-people exchanges. The frequency of passenger flights between the two nations is set to increase to 70 per week, marking a significant step towards normalizing travel, including the resumption of direct flights between the two capitals for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. However, it is noteworthy that this is still a considerable distance from the pre-pandemic era when 340 flights operated weekly between the U.S. and China. Xi's visit to the United States spans from November 14th to the 17th. During this visit, he is expected to deliver a significant address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, elucidating China's major propositions for deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and catalyzing regional and global growth. He is also expected to be the guest of honor at a dinner with top US business executives. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that he will meet with Xi before the inauguration of the APEC meetings. And according to Japanese media, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also planning to meet with Xi on the sidelines of APEC. Xi's entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister. Xi's Bio Xi Jinping currently serves as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China. He was born in June 1953 in Fuping, Shaanxi Province. He began his career in January 1969 and joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in January 1974. He graduated from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University, majoring in Marxist Theory and Ideological and Political Education. He holds a postgraduate degree obtained while in employment and a Doctor of Laws degree. Xi married the prominent Chinese folk singer Peng Liyuan in 1987. They have one daughter. (A BIG shoutout to our colleague Bingru Wang from Phoenix TV on preparing this backgroundeder.) |
| November 15, 2023 10:52 PST |
Foreign Pool Observer Note # 1 Hi, Your foreign pooler left the hotel in a van at 10.13 am PST for the POTUS-XI summit venue. In the fag end of the covey, no sight of the POTUS before rolling in. In downtown for a few blocks, we noticed several small groups of pro and anti-China protests on either side of the road. The pro groups had some large Chinese flags. As the motorcade exited the highway, your pooled saw a number of demonstrators with red Chinese Flag. "Lost My Vote" read one of the signs being displayed by them. The motorcade entered the Filoli Estate at 10.50 am PST |
| November 15, 2023 11:22 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 2 The motorcade of President Xi pulled up at 11.16 am PST. POTUS greeted Pres Xi with a warm handshake. POTUS looked like said welcome to President Xi. The two leaders immediately moved inside. No answer to a few shouted questions. Now holding for the bilateral meeting and opening remarks. |
| November 15, 2023 11:55 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 3 Hi, Your pooler entered the summit meeting room at about 11.22 am. The two delegations led by POTUS and Pres Xi were seated on either side of a very long table. POTUS spoke first and welcomed President Xi for the summit meeting. (please check against official transcripts) After POTUS concluded his statement that lasted for about three minutes, President XI started his remarks referring to their meetings 12 years ago. President Xi spoke in Mandarin and a simultaneous English translation was provided. "It was 12 years ago. I still remember our interactions very vividly. It always gives me a lot of thoughts. President Xi then referred to their last meeting in Bali Indonesia on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in November 2022. It was a year and a day ago, President Xi said. "A lot has happened. Since then, the world has emerged from the COVID pandemic, but is still under its tremendous impact. The global economy is recovering, but its momentum remains sluggish. Industrial and supply chains are still under the threat of interruption and protectionism is rising. All these are grave problems," President Xi said. The China US relationship, which is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, should be perceived and envisioned in a broad context of the accelerating global transformations and seen in a century. It should develop in a way that benefits two peoples and fulfills our responsibility for human progress. China US relationship has never been smooth sailing over the past 50 years or more, and it always faces problems of one kind or another. Yet, it has kept moving forward amid twists and turns. For two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option, President Xi said. It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other. Conflicts and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides. I'm still of the view that major country competition is not the prevailing trend of current times and cannot solve the problems facing China and the United States. The world at large, Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed, and one country's success is an opportunity for the other. It is an objective fact that China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development path. However, as long as they respect each other, coexistent peace and pursue winning cooperation, they will be fully capable of rising above differences and find the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other. I firmly believe in the promising future of the bilateral relationship. Mr president, you and I are at the helm of China, us relations. We showed heavy responsibilities for the two peoples for the world and for history. I look forward to having an in-depth exchange of views and reaching new understandings with you on strategic and overarching issues, critical to the direction of Chinese relations and on major issues affecting world peace and development. I wish to thank you for your thoughtful arrangements for our meeting today and for our participation at the APEC meeting. Thank you. There should be no, President Xi said. POTUS then thanks President XI The pool was escorted out of the room at 11.30 am. The list of delegation as provided by WH: U.S. Manifest China Manifest |
| November 15, 2023 13:42 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 4 As per WH, the expanded bilateral ended at 1.35 pm PST |
| November 15, 2023 14:20 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 5 As per WH The President is participating in a working lunch with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China: U.S. Manifest China Manifest _________ Lunch menu Herbed Ricotta Ravioli |
| November 15, 2023 15:31 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 6 The pool was rushed to the garden area of the mansion at about 3.02 pm. The travelling Chinese media were already there. By 3.10 pm PST both the US and travelling Chinese media had taken their position to capture the moments of a walk along the pathways by the two leaders. POTUS and Pres Xi were spotted walking along the mansion at about 3.18 pm. At 3.19 they were seen walking down the pathway towards the media. Responding to a shouted question on how the talks went, POTUS said "well". POTUS gave a thumbs up, President Xi waved at the press. As per WH the entire program with Pres Xi, which included a welcome ceremony, expanded bilateral, lunch and the walk, is now over. |
| November 15, 2023 19:42 PST |
Foreign Pool Report # 7 The President and the First Lady are hosting a welcome reception for APEC Leaders. Attendees Speaking Program Mayor London Breed, San Francisco, CA |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of November 15, 2023 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/367905