Xi and Biden Discuss Future Relations Amid Transition of Power
LIMA, Peru (AP) – The atmosphere was charged yet respectful as Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden for what marked their final conversation before Biden hands over the reins to President-elect Donald Trump. The meeting took place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where global trade and diplomatic relations often take the spotlight amid challenges.
X Jinping conveyed China's readiness to engage with the incoming U.S. administration, emphasizing a desire to maintain open communications and expand cooperation. “China is ready to work with a new U.S. administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of the two peoples,” Xi said through his interpreter, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Interestingly, Xi's statement came as both leaders sat together around long rectangular tables, the weight of their nations' histories palpable. Amidst the backdrop of growing international tensions, including the surge of North Korea’s military capabilities, Biden was prepared to press Xi on the importance of curbing North Korea's support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. The U.S. has been increasingly vocal about its concerns over Beijing's perceived lack of action to control its ally.
President Biden described the last four years as marked by ups and downs. He expressed significant concern over the evolution of China-U.S. relations, stating, “Over the past four years, China-U.S. relations have experienced ups and downs, but with the two of us at the helm, we have also engaged in fruitful dialogues and cooperation, and achieved stability.” Reflecting on their enduring relationship, both men spoke of their decades-long acquaintance, forged initially during their eras as vice presidents where they traveled through each other's countries.
Moving beyond the dynamics of their personal rapport, the discussion pivoted to pressing global issues, like North Korea's military alliance with Russia. The joint cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has raised alarms, especially following North Korea's increased military activities. Allies like South Korea and Japan have joined the United States to condemn Kim Jong Un’s actions – particularly the recent dispatch of North Korean troops to assist Russia.
During discussions about North Korea's growing ties with Russia, White House officials described their interactions as “dangerous and destabilizing.” Biden reiterated this sentiment to Xi, emphasizing the necessity for Beijing to play its role as North Korea’s primary trading partner to deter any escalation.
While the talks were primarily focused on North Korea, multiple complex layers connected Xi and Biden's conversations. The potential economic ramifications of Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese imports loomed large, sparking anxiety among American businesses. Major firms like Nike and Warby Parker are exploring alternatives to Chinese manufacturing, citing Trump's anticipated protectionist policies. Reports suggest notable shifts, with brands such as Steve Madden planning to cut imports from China by 45% next year, indicating the fear of economic fallout.
Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, revealed the administration is actively preparing the Trump team for what appears to be one of the most formidable foreign policy challenges—navigations of the intense U.S.-China competition. Sullivan remarked managing this relationship could be the defining task for the new administration, setting the stage for intense discussions moving forward.
Biden’s efforts to create diplomatic pathways with Xi symbolize decades of political experience. After more than 50 years committed to public service, Biden views the relationship with Xi as being among the most consequential interactions on the world stage. Cumulatively, both leaders have faced numerous obstacles; the most glaring being concern about cyber security, with the FBI recently exposing significant espionage activities aimed at compromising U.S. telecommunications networks by Chinese actors.
Year after year, diplomatic dialogues have been fraught with conflict as mistrust has built up over espionage allegations. The intelligence community has pointed fingers at China for ramped-up support for Russia during its military operations against Ukraine, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes of their meeting.
Despite past tensions—including the dramatic takedown of a Chinese spy balloon over U.S. airspace—both Xi and Biden attempted, at least publicly, to maintain constructive dialogue. The undertones of worry about the next U.S. administration's approach to China hung visibly between them, as neither leader could ignore the drastic changes expected with Trump taking office.
With the future uncertain, both leaders acknowledged the necessity of communication and negotiation. Biden remains hopeful for future engagements, as the transition of power is set to change the game. Their meeting served as both a farewell and potential bridge to future relations, demonstrating the complex web of diplomacy both leaders must navigate as they take their respective countries forward.
