Biden tells Xi amid US, China divide, 'paramount that you and I understand each other'

President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he values the conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that it's important the two presidents understand each other. 

"I value our conversation because I think it's paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication," Biden said.

The two world leaders met at the Filoli Historic House and Garden in Woodside, California, on the sideline of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.

Biden and Jinping are expected to discuss concerns about fentanyl, Israel's war on Hamas and military communications, according to NBC News.

China President Xi Jinping said Wednesday during a meeting with President Biden that his country and the U.S. turning their backs on each other now is "not an option."

"It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has terrible consequences for both sides," Xi also said. "The world at large is big enough for the two countries to succeed."

This is the first time Biden and Xi, who preside over the world's No. 1 and No. 2 economies, respectively, have met in person this year. 

The press was escorted out of the room following the opening remarks of both leaders.