US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened their summit in Bali on Monday with a handshake, emphasizing the need to manage disagreements and avoid conflict.

Xi said, "The world has reached a crossroads," pledging to hold a "frank" discussion on the issues that have torn apart relations between the two major powers in the world.

He added that "the world expects China and the United States to properly handle" their relationship.

Biden welcomed Xi with a smile that covered the fierce competition between a country that defined the frameworks of the last century and another seeking to define the frameworks of the next century.

Biden told Xi, "It's good to see you," affirming that "there is no alternative" to direct talks, expressing hope to avoid "conflict" between Washington and Beijing.

He pointed out that he wants the United States and China to "manage our differences and prevent competition from turning into conflict."