Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Biden met on the sidelines of the APEC forum in Peru, marking the first time they had spoken in seven months. Xi emphasized China’s goal of a stable relationship with the U.S. and expressed a willingness to work with the incoming administration to maintain communication and manage differences. Biden also stressed the importance of leader-to-leader talks even after he leaves office, acknowledging that their discussions have been frank and candid.
The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including cybercrime, trade, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Russia. While Biden has aimed to lessen tensions with China, there were few signs of breakthroughs during the meeting. They agreed that humans, not artificial intelligence, should have the ultimate decision-making power regarding the use of nuclear weapons. This marked the first time the issue was raised between the two countries.
China, along with other G-20 members, is expected to face a reboot of Trump’s “America First” policy, potentially leading to higher tariffs. Trump previously launched a trade war with China in 2018, raising tariffs on various Chinese products. While Biden has sought to improve relations with China, there is uncertainty about the direction of trade policy under his presidency. The meeting between Biden and Xi did not result in major breakthroughs on trade or other key issues.
The conversation also touched on North Korea, as the country deepens ties with Russia and deploys troops in Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine. This move has raised concerns among various countries, including the U.S. and Europe. Biden urged China to use its influence to prevent further escalation and expansion of the conflict. The issue of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict was a point of contention between the two leaders.
Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi highlighted the complexities in the U.S.-China relationship, with both leaders acknowledging their differences but expressing a commitment to maintaining communication and managing conflicts. The discussion covered a range of issues, from trade to nuclear weapons, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries. While tensions persist in various areas, the meeting served as an opportunity for both leaders to address key concerns and potentially pave the way for future cooperation.
As the U.S. and China navigate their relationship under new leadership, ongoing diplomacy and engagement will be crucial in managing conflicts and promoting cooperation. Despite the challenges and differences between the two countries, the meeting between Biden and Xi demonstrated a willingness to work together and address shared concerns. Moving forward, continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential in shaping the future of the U.S.-China relationship.
