Biden Xi meeting/ US-China relations/ Trump tariffs/ APEC summit/ Biden Xi Peru/ Biden Trump China/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping are set to meet Saturday in Peru at the APEC summit, as both nations brace for potential shifts in U.S.-China relations with President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to office. The meeting, expected to address ongoing trade, security, and geopolitical issues, marks a crucial moment for both leaders as tensions grow over Trump’s proposed tariffs and policies toward China.
Biden and Xi to Meet in Peru as Trump’s Return Raises US-China Tensions
Key Points and Expected Topics:
Preparing for Trump’s Return to Office
President Biden’s face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, is part of a larger effort to manage U.S.-China relations ahead of Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration. The talks come as China anticipates heightened tensions under a second Trump administration, with Trump having proposed sweeping 60% tariffs on Chinese exports during his recent campaign.
Addressing Ongoing U.S.-China Tensions
The Biden-Xi meeting will likely address a range of complex issues between Washington and Beijing, including trade, security, human rights, and Taiwan. Since Trump’s first term, U.S.-China relations have been increasingly strained, especially after a 2020 trade deal fell short of expectations. Biden’s national security team has been working on maintaining diplomatic stability with China, focusing on areas of contention such as Beijing’s indirect support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its assertive stance on Taiwan.
White House and Beijing Seek Strategic Dialogue
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese officials in August to lay the groundwork for Biden’s final interactions with Xi. According to U.S. officials, the meeting’s purpose is to keep communication open despite escalating challenges. Biden is expected to bring up issues such as fentanyl production in China, cybersecurity concerns, and U.S. intelligence reports indicating China’s sale of sensitive technology to Russia.
Ongoing Issues in Trade and Security
Trump’s first term saw the imposition of tariffs on over $360 billion in Chinese goods, which prompted Beijing to negotiate trade terms in 2020. However, a subsequent study revealed China did not meet the agreed purchasing targets. As a result, U.S. officials worry that the already strained relationship may see further obstacles, especially as Trump hints at more aggressive trade measures and renewed scrutiny of Chinese technology and supply chains.
A Critical Moment for U.S.-China Relations
This upcoming meeting will be Biden and Xi’s third during Biden’s presidency, following earlier talks in California and a phone call in April. The White House has prepared extensively for this encounter, hoping to preserve diplomatic ties as Trump’s administration takes shape. Biden is expected to reaffirm his stance on countering China’s cyber threats, military posturing in Asia, and support for Russia.
Conclusion
The Biden-Xi meeting in Peru will set the tone for future U.S.-China relations as Trump prepares to reenter the White House. With a range of issues on the table, both leaders will look to navigate a path forward amidst shifting U.S. policies and mutual challenges. Their discussions underscore the stakes as China and the U.S. brace for what could be a more complex era in diplomatic relations.
