US President Joe Biden is gearing up for what could be his last meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held recently in Peru. At this high-stakes event, Biden aims to persuade Xi to act against North Korea's increasing support for Russia amid the latter's war on Ukraine. This meeting is particularly significant as it happens just two months before Biden's presidency ends and Donald Trump is set to take office.
The urgency of Biden's plea emerges from recent North Korean maneuvers. North Korea has sent troops to assist Moscow's military efforts, something Biden has deemed "dangerous and destabilizing cooperation." This partnership has raised alarm bells not only for the US but also for South Korea and Japan, who joined forces with Biden to condemn Kim Jong-un's actions. During discussions on the matter, Biden, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yul, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed their concerns, emphasizing how it should not be within Beijing's interest to have such destabilizing cooperation occurring nearby.
White House officials have often expressed frustration over China's lack of effort to control North Korea, which is heavily reliant on China for trade. With Xi holding substantial influence, officials believe he could play a pivotal role to rein in Pyongyang’s increasingly bold moves. Notably, North Korea has also been supplying Russia with artillery and munitions, according to American and South Korean intelligence assessments.
During the meeting, Biden aims to secure Xi's commitment to limiting North Korea's military assistance to Russia. The discussions are poised to highlight the broader range of issues facing the US-China relationship, which includes China's own participation and support for Russia, human rights concerns, technology competition, and the contentious topic of Taiwan—a self-governing territory claimed by Beijing.
Despite differing priorities, Biden's administration sees North Korea as a glaring threat not only to regional stability but also to global peace, especially with the backdrop of aspiring nuclear capabilities. Kim Jong-un has ordered ballistic missile tests at an unprecedented frequency, asserting claims of its capabilities to strike the mainland US. This coincides with the approaching US elections, and observers note this could be part of North Korea’s broader strategy to assert its military prowess.
The geopolitical climate appears to be intensifying. While Biden is poised to make these urgent appeals to Xi, there remains uncertainty about the future of US-China relations, particularly with Trump preparing to assume the presidency with promises of extensive tariffs on Chinese imports. The upcoming months will likely shape the dynamics of this fragile relationship.
On the other hand, American companies, hit by tensions with Beijing, have already begun shifting their sourcing strategies away from China, which could denote long-term economic repercussions on both sides. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated leaving the management of competition with China unaddressed could become Trump's foremost foreign policy dilemma.
All eyes remain glued to the outcomes of this pivotal meeting. With tensions high and stakes perhaps higher, the talks are set to play out against the backdrop of significant military developments and trade uncertainties. Biden is not only advocating for immediate measures to stabilize relations but is also marking the close of his administration with one last push to solidify alliances as his presidency approaches its end.
This significant moment showcases not just the intricacies of geopolitics but also the urgency of collaboration to prevent North Asia from spiraling out of control. The future repercussions of this meeting hinge on Xi's response to Biden's entreaties. Will China strengthen its position and participate decisively to curb North Korea’s ambitions, or will it let events spiral, risking greater instability?
