President Joe Biden on Thursday defended his public criticism of China and President Xi Jinping, saying his remarks would have no negative impact on U.S.-China relations. Biden added that he still expects to meet with Xi in the near-term. The president's comments came on the same day he welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House in an alliance-strengthening move against their shared rival, China. China's embassy in Washington had issued a formal protest earlier in the day, saying Washington “should take earnest actions to undo the negative impact” of what Biden said or “bear all the consequences.”

The Biden administration was quick to defend the president's words, saying it is important to draw distinctions between the world’s democracies and autocracies. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen addressed the latest rift Thursday, saying it was “critical to maintain communication” in order to clear up any misperceptions and miscalculations.Yellen has advocated for improving relations between the U.S. and China, arguing cooperation is needed for the sake of maintaining global stability. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry expressed the urgency of resuming climate discussions between China and the U.S., the No. 1 and No. 2 emitters of climate-damaging fumes from fossil fuels.

Kerry said Xi and Biden understood the urgency of the emissions talks, adding that every day without them “is a day for mischief.” Yellen echoed this sentiment, saying it is important “that the world’s two largest economies are working together in addressing global challenges". It is unclear what repercussions the Biden administration will face for the president's remarks, but it is clear that communication between the two countries is essential in Waddressing global challenges.