At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held on November 16, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden for what is likely their final encounter. This meeting unfolded amid growing concerns about the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House, which many believe could reignite tensions between the two global superpowers.
Xi’s opening remarks during this significant meeting underscored China's readiness to work closely with the upcoming administration. "China is prepared to collaborate with the new U.S. administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of stability and mutual respect between the two nations. His comments, though politically nuanced, seemed directed at Trump’s anticipated presidency, acknowledging the potential for future cooperation and dialogue.
For Biden, maintaining stable U.S.-China relations has been one of his administration's key focuses. He sought to convey this sentiment during his discussions with Xi, saying, "Our two countries cannot allow any competition to escalate to conflict. We've shown over the last four years it's possible to maintain this relationship." This encapsulates the cautious optimism Biden aims to reinforce, particularly as he prepares to exit the presidency.
Yet the specter of Trump’s leadership looms large. During his first term, Trump's confrontational stance led to strained relations throbbing with trade wars and aggressive tariff implementations against Chinese imports. Observers now fear the return of such aggressive tactics. Trump, having won the November election, is already signaling plans to impose tariffs as high as 60% on selected Chinese goods, stating, "Tariffs are the greatest thing ever invented," as he laid out his vision for punitive measures against countries he views as economic competitors.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding U.S.-China dynamics, Xi's posture at this meeting was one of cautious optimism. He highlighted the need for both sides to “inject more certainty and positive energy” during these tumultuous times. His approach appears to advocate for constructive engagement, hoping to mitigate what could be ties deteriorated by Trump's aggressive trade policies.
During the bilateral discussions, Biden raised several contentious topics, including China’s support of Russia’s military endeavors and the contentious issue of Taiwan, which remains at the center of U.S.-China tensions. Xi has consistently maintained China's claim over Taiwan, describing any international support for the island’s independence as crossing a “red line.”
On Biden's end, his administration has grappled with technological transfer issues, especially surrounding advanced semiconductor production and military technologies. These restrictions have been pivotal under Biden’s leadership and were highlighted during the summit. Xi criticized these export controls, arguing they hinder rather than help mutual development and cooperation, and instead called for more substantial collaboration rather than restrictive measures.
On artificial intelligence and nuclear policy, both leaders took significant steps during this final meeting. They mutually agreed on the fundamental principle directing the control of nuclear weapons, stating unequivocally, "any decision to use nuclear weapons should be controlled by humans, not artificial intelligence." This declaration points to both nations’ acknowledgment of the responsibilities tied to technological advancements amid fears of miscommunication and unintended escalations with nuclear capabilities.
Beyond discussions on trade and politics, the meeting also showcased lighter moments. Both leaders engaged in informal banter, reflecting their lengthy history of candid dialogue—albeit fraught with difficulties. Biden's humor surfaced when he quipped about his ability to communicate without the interpreter’s assistance, highlighting the unique rapport they have shared over the years of their office.
Turning to the relationship's history, it’s important to note the significant challenges Xi and Biden faced together. From the incident with the alleged Chinese surveillance balloon shot down earlier this year to the overall growing distrust over military maneuvers across the Taiwan Strait, their engagement has not always been marked by amicability.
Overall, the APEC meeting acted as both a farewell and a bridge to future discussions between China and the U.S. Xi’s intention to work with Trump contrasts starkly with Biden's recent attempts to stabilize ties, leaving the future of U.S.-China relations wrapped in uncertainty.
Looking at the backdrop of the summit, it is evident both nations acknowledge their interconnectedness, emphasizing the need for responsible engagement over hostile competition. While each leader expressed divergent views throughout their terms, how the new administration under Trump will navigate these existing frameworks remains to be seen. With economic ties and diplomatic relations at stake, the world will be watching closely to see how these powerful nations proceed.
At the conclusion of the summit and amid the conclusion of Biden's presidency, what remains palpable is the delicate balance, echoing Xi’s call for cooperation and Biden’s stress on stability. Whether Trump's ascension leads to cooperation or conflict will shape the course of not just U.S.-China relations but the geopolitical stage as well.
