U.S. President Joe Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping this weekend on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru. This could be the leaders’ final interaction before the anticipated shift in U.S.-China relations under incoming President Donald Trump. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Biden and Xi will discuss a range of global issues and critical tensions between their countries, though he did not confirm the exact date of the meeting.
Key Issues: Taiwan, Trade, and Cybersecurity
Biden and Xi have made efforts to manage differences, especially over sensitive issues like Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cyber threats. Biden intends to express concerns over recent Chinese-linked hacks on U.S. officials and raise concerns about China’s support for Russia amid the Ukraine war. The presence of over 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, reportedly aided by China, is another issue likely to be on the agenda.
The talks come after Biden imposed new restrictions on U.S. investments in advanced Chinese tech sectors, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. China rejected these measures, deeming them counterproductive. Trump has vowed to escalate trade tensions with blanket tariffs on Chinese goods, raising concerns in Beijing about a more confrontational period ahead.
Stabilising U.S.-China Relations Through Leadership Transition
Both leaders recognise the geopolitical challenges posed by this transition. Sullivan stressed that Biden aims to convey the importance of maintaining stability and clear communication as the U.S. prepares for new leadership. “Transitions are uniquely consequential moments in geopolitics,” Sullivan stated, highlighting that the U.S. and China should work to prevent competition from escalating into conflict.
Biden and Xi last spoke in April, and this weekend’s meeting could set the tone for U.S.-China relations as Trump assembles a team with hawkish views on China. With a new administration set to take office in January, the Biden-Xi meeting represents a pivotal moment for the two countries to clarify their stances and address ongoing issues that could shape the future of U.S.-China diplomacy.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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