Last Saturday, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for their final close-door session during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Lima, Peru. This face-to-face meeting, marked by its international significance, set the stage for what many view as the last alignment before the Trump administration returns to power. Both leaders engaged candidly about the numerous tensions and challenges faced over the past several years, along with the concrete steps to address future relations.
The meeting opened with pleasantries. Xi, expressing his delight at seeing Biden again, acknowledged the complex dynamics of the U.S.-China relationship, saying it has “gone through ups and downs” but has stabilized over recent years. Biden reciprocated these sentiments, highlighting how the discussions have always been frank and geared toward honesty. He underlined the importance of avoiding miscalculations between their nations, emphasizing the necessity for open lines of communication.
Central to this meeting were the discussions around strategic competition and significant geopolitical issues, particularly concerning North Korea, the role of artificial intelligence, and narcotic trafficking. Biden succinctly stated, “We cannot let competition veer off course and turn to conflict.” His desire for steady cooperation was palpable as he suggested it wasn’t just beneficial for both countries, but for global stability as well.
A notable agreement reached during the discussions concerned artificial intelligence. Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining human control over nuclear weaponry, with Biden highlighting the need for responsible technological development. “We must navigate these waters of AI with prudence and responsibility,” he remarked.
Biden's concerns about North Korea’s alignment with Russia also dominated the dialogue. He criticized North Korea for its military support of Russian efforts against Ukraine, voicing deep apprehension about the ramifications this posed for both European safety and Indo-Pacific stability. “The deployment of North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces is both alarming and dangerous,” Biden said, aligning his strategy against what he called the “illegal war” Russia has waged.
Xis also took the opportunity to express readiness for collaboration with the incoming Trump presidency, asserting China’s aims to maintain communication and cooperation moving forward, irrespective of the political shifts under Trump. “China is ready to work with the new U.S. administration and drive forward our relationship for the benefit of both peoples,” Xi stated, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.
Although Xi refrained from directly addressing Trump's proposals, including large-scale tariffs against Chinese goods, his apprehension about the potential impact was clear. Analysts and onlookers note this transitional moment is pivotal. Trump’s promised tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports could enact significant economic shifts, potentially pushing U.S.-China relations toward another unofficial trade war.
Pundits wrote about the uncertain future of these relations, with suggestions from experts like Bonnie Glaser at the German Marshall Fund, indicating China is wary yet eager to engage with Trump's team early. With defensive alliances being buttressed across the Asia-Pacific — particularly by the U.S. — maintaining stable footing with China emerges as the foremost challenge post-Trump’s presidential inauguration.
The discussions also naturally gravitated toward regional security matters such as Taiwan. Biden reiterated the U.S. stance against unilateral changes to the status quo, reaffirming the insistence for peaceful resolutions to any cross-Strait issues. He adamantly conveyed, “The world has every reason to be involved and invested in Taiwan's stability.”
This meeting is particularly poignant for Biden, who after more than half a century involved in politics, sees his relationship with Xi as one of the most meaningful on the global stage. Their exchanges, dating back to their vice presidency days, have shaped their diplomatic friendship, though it has been marked by significant challenges.
Both leaders acknowledged the victories and setbacks of their years-long rapport, hinting at the progress made on climate and drug trafficking cooperation. But they also recognized the increasing complexity and volatility arising from various incidents, including cyber-espionage activities attributed to China, military provocations around Taiwan, and the dire reports of North Korea’s military engagement with Russia.
Looking back, the partnership of Biden and Xi has involved numerous highs and lows, heavily reliant on candid discussions and collaborative efforts to face global issues. But as Trump prepares to transition back to the White House, both leaders face the uncertainty of how their dialogue and strategic interactions will evolve or devolve.
While Xi pledges to engage with the new administration and Biden expresses hopes to navigate this relationship without hostility, the outcome remains uncertain. There lingers the question: will this transition usher more stability or turbulence for U.S.-China ties?
