Chinese President Xi Jinping assured President Biden of China’s commitment to cooperation with the incoming administration of President-elect Trump during a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru. This meeting between the two leaders marked the first time in seven months they had spoken and may be the last time before Trump returns to office in January 2025.
Xi emphasized China’s goal of maintaining a stable, healthy, and sustainable relationship with the United States, despite the “ups and downs” in the bilateral ties. He expressed readiness to work with the new U.S. administration to enhance communication, expand cooperation, and address differences between the two countries.
President Biden, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of leader-to-leader talks even after he leaves office. He acknowledged the frank and candid discussions he had with Xi, indicating a willingness to continue engaging with China on various issues.
While both leaders aimed to ease tensions, particularly in trade relations, there were no significant breakthroughs during their meeting. The specter of Trump’s protectionist “America First” policy looms large, potentially leading to renewed trade conflicts and higher tariffs.
In addition to trade, Biden and Xi discussed critical global security issues, including the use of nuclear weapons. They agreed that human decision-making should take precedence over artificial intelligence in matters related to nuclear arms control, signaling a shared commitment to strategic stability.
Moreover, the leaders addressed the situation in North Korea, with Biden expressing concerns over the country’s alignment with Russia and its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. The deployment of North Korean troops in support of Moscow’s actions raised alarms in Washington, European capitals, and Beijing, underscoring the complexities of regional security dynamics.
Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the United States and China, despite the challenges and disagreements that persist in their relationship. As both countries navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, maintaining open lines of communication and seeking common ground on key issues will be crucial for promoting stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.