U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for significant discussions at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, taking place in Lima, Peru. This meeting, scheduled for Saturday, is particularly noteworthy as it might mark the last official encounter between the two leaders before Biden's term concludes and Donald Trump potentially returns to the White House. Both leaders represent the world's largest economies, and their discussions are expected to influence global geopolitics.
The upcoming face-to-face meeting arises from growing international tensions over various issues, not least of which is China’s support for Russia during the latter's conflict with Ukraine. U.S. officials note Biden plans to confront Xi on this matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and clarity during this precarious phase of international relations. The U.S. has been increasingly concerned about China's increasing military assertiveness, especially surrounding Taiwan—a self-ruled democracy claimed by Beijing.
According to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, the summit's discussions will cover pressing topics including Taiwan, the South China Sea, cybersecurity, and the global fentanyl crisis. The relationship between the U.S. and China has become increasingly fraught with challenges, including trade disagreements and human rights issues. Sullivan has prioritised the necessity of open channels of communication to prevent potential conflicts.
Our global community is still reeling from the significant political fallout over China's stance on various global conflicts and its growing economic influence. This meeting arrives at a time when both nations are grappling with the ramifications of their past interactions, particularly as Biden works to sustain diplomatic relations amid scrutiny over China's activities on the international stage.
It’s expected the two leaders will take stock of their nations’ efforts to responsibly manage their competition, particularly as the global political climate continues to evolve dramatically. Notably, this will be the third official meeting between Biden and Xi, following their earlier discussions over the past year. Previously, they met during the 2023 APEC conference and had significant talks through phone calls, including one as recent as April.
The backdrop of this summit is particularly charged due to the anticipated return of Trump and his aggressive policies toward Beijing. Trump’s administration previously marked the U.S.-China relationship with tariffs and trade deals aimed at countering what was seen as unfair practices by China, leading to significant economic tensions. Trump has indicated he would adopt even more confrontational economic strategies if he resumes his presidency. Some speculate he may impose hefty tariffs, possibly up to 60%, on Chinese goods. The specter of these potential policies looms larger as Biden and Xi prepare to discuss ways to navigate their complex interdependence and competition.
Both leaders must also address the rapidly shifting realities of global trade and military communications. Sullivan mentioned, "Transitions are uniquely consequential moments in geopolitics. They’re times when competitors and adversaries can see possible opportunity.” It raises the importance of maintaining stability and predictability during this transition phase, especially as international responses to China’s actions within various regions continue to evolve.
China’s recent denouncement of U.S. economic measures adds intricacy to the negotiations. The Chinese government has shown reluctance to shift its policies, raising concerns among U.S. officials about how to effectively engage with China on these pressing issues without hampering long-term relations.
The meeting at APEC is pivotal not just for the leaders involved but for the entire Asia-Pacific region, and possibly beyond. Observers and analysts alike are preparing to glean insights from the outcomes of these high-stakes discussions, particularly as they may set the tone for future U.S.-China relations.
While the world watches these discussions with bated breath, it’s clear Biden will have important messages for Xi. These include messages concerning fentanyl trafficking, cyber involvement, and deepening military communications. The long and complex history and current state of U.S.-China relations highlight the intense scrutiny surrounding this meeting.
While both leaders have approached their encounters with varying levels of optimism and skepticism, the U.S. administration continues to see these discussions as immensely significant for future cooperation and conflict management. Wenjing Yang, a Chinese analyst, noted, "Biden's administration should focus on pragmatic cooperation to contain risks and facilitate discussions on trade and military dialogues.”
With the looming potential for political shift represented by Trump's upcoming presidency, the challenges facing both Biden and Xi are as intense as they are multifaceted. It remains to be seen how this final meeting will shape the future relationship between two nations whose actions resonate throughout our interconnected world.
