U.S.-China relations face renewed strain as President Joe Biden prepares for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, set to take place this Saturday in Lima, Peru. The meeting, happening just two months before Donald Trump assumes the presidency again, raises questions about the future of diplomatic ties between the two superpowers.
A senior Biden administration official confirmed plans for the meeting, emphasizing the sensitive state of affairs between Washington and Beijing, particularly with Trump vowing to impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports.
During his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump promised to enact blanket tariffs of 60 percent on all Chinese exports to the United States. This proposal, should it come to fruition, would exacerbate existing tensions and significantly affect global trade dynamics.
Biden welcomed Trump to the White House shortly before the summit, noting the importance of ensuring a smooth transition as both prepare for the challenges lying ahead. During their meeting, Biden congratulated Trump, highlighting the necessity of accommodation during the upcoming administration shift.
Meanwhile, Zhao Minghao from Shanghai's Fudan University expressed the challenges Beijing perceives with Trump's return, stating, “Trump and Kamala Harris are two bowls of poison for Beijing. Both see China as a competitor or even as adversaries.” This sentiment seems to reflect the overarching concerns of Chinese officials as they brace for potential policy changes under Trump's presidency.
Despite traditionally cordial relations during diplomatic meetings, Xi's approach might be tempered by the backdrop of rising economic and geopolitical competition, particularly as the Chinese Communist Party looks to navigate its relationship with the U.S. cautiously. Shi Yinhong from Renmin University echoed these concerns, predicting Chinese leaders would prefer the “lesser of the two evils” to win the upcoming election.
Reflecting on past years, it’s evident the gap between American and Chinese perspectives has widened. While U.S. leadership has increasingly adopted a tougher stance on China, Beijing's leaders view these policies through the lens of competition and potential hostility. Official remarks from Chinese diplomatic sources have declared the principle of “mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” outlining China’s desire to maintain dialogue. Yet underlying this is the palpable tension felt amid growing suspicions on both sides.
Trump's previous term already placed immense strain on the bilateral relationship, characterized by tariffs, sanctions, and vocal critiques of Beijing's policies. If Trump's return catalyzes similar approaches, the repercussions could redefine not only U.S.-China relations but also affect global trade dynamics and international alliances.
Xi's congratulatory message to Trump upon his re-election reflects China's continued hope to find common ground during potentially turbulent times, emphasizing the importance of managing relationships across different eras. How the two nations navigate the forthcoming chapters will likely depend on meaningful dialogue and strategic engagements.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials have anticipated greater cooperation with the U.S., progressing beyond merely confrontational dialogues. Mao Ning, speaking for the foreign ministry, stated, "China's policy on the U.S. is consistent, and we will continue to view and handle our bilateral relations under the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.” This assertive position reinforces China's commitment to dialogue, even as it prepares for the uncertainties inherent to Trump's foreign policy.
The APEC summit, expected to be the stage of some significant discussions, could be pivotal for outlining the future of U.S.-China relations. The return of tariffs and bilateral negotiations will test both leaders’ commitment to stable and constructive engagement amid the ambitious objectives of their respective countries.
Observers worldwide will be watching closely to see if the meeting yields tangible outcomes or if it merely serves as another platform for rhetoric. The anticipated dynamic between Biden and Xi may reveal much about how both nations envision their roles within the current international system, as well as their approaches toward each other.
