President Biden and President Xi will meet on November 16 during the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, to discuss cooperation in key areas including military communication, trade practices, and responses to global crises like fentanyl. The meeting is particularly significant as it precedes a transition to a new U.S. administration, which may adopt a more aggressive stance toward China.
United States President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 16 during the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. The White House made this announcement on Wednesday, indicating that the leaders will engage in discussions following their previous meetings in 2022 in Bali and a year ago in California. The upcoming dialogue is expected to focus on critical areas of cooperation, including the reinstatement of military communications and strategies to combat the global fentanyl crisis, as well as addressing the emerging risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Moreover, President Biden is set to express his profound apprehensions regarding China’s support for Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly concerning the deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces. Additionally, he will convey longstanding concerns regarding what he characterizes as China’s unfair trade practices, which adversely impact American workers. The engagement will also touch upon issues related to cyber-attacks on U.S. infrastructure by Beijing and increased military maneuvers in Taiwan and the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of human rights policies. This meeting may serve as a crucial point of dialogue before the imminent transition to a new administration, which is expected to adopt a more adversarial stance toward China under President-elect Donald Trump. Noteworthy appointments within the incoming administration include staunch critics of China in prominent foreign policy roles, which may influence U.S.-China relations significantly. It is imperative for the future administration to navigate the multifaceted relationship with China thoughtfully, particularly concerning challenges linked to Russia, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cybersecurity issues. Furthermore, Xi Jinping is likely preparing for potential shifts in U.S. trade policies that may arise under the Trump administration, especially in relation to the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports. The expectation of significant changes in U.S. policy will necessitate careful scrutiny of upcoming diplomatic engagements.
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit serves as a platform for leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss economic cooperation, regional stability, and global challenges. The meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi occurs against a backdrop of tense U.S.-China relations, influenced by trade issues, military confrontations in the South China Sea, cybersecurity threats, and differing perspectives on international security. With the impending shift in U.S. administration, the dynamics of this relationship remain unpredictable, especially in light of potential policy changes that may enhance confrontational postures toward China.
In summary, the scheduled meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi at the APEC summit represents a crucial opportunity to address substantial bilateral concerns amid the geopolitical complexities surrounding U.S.-China relations. Topics such as military communication, trade practices, and regional security are on the agenda, particularly as both leaders prepare for a potentially transformative period in U.S. foreign policy with the next administration. The outcomes of this dialogue may significantly influence future engagements and the broader international landscape.
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