President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to engage in their first bilateral meeting of the year, with both leaders emphasizing the significance of face-to-face discussions to prevent the competition between the United States and China from escalating into conflict. The meeting, which marks their second in-person interaction since Biden assumed office, comes after a series of diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration to restore communication channels with China.
During their meeting on the sidelines of the Asian-Pacific Economic Conference, Biden expressed his honor and pleasure in hosting Xi at the summit, recalling their previous meeting in Bali on the sidelines of the G20. He highlighted the importance of candid and straightforward discussions, noting that although they haven’t always agreed in the past, their conversations have been useful and helpful. Biden stressed that the priority is to manage competition responsibly and ensure it does not lead to conflict.
Xi echoed Biden’s sentiments, describing the U.S.-China relationship as the most important bilateral relationship in the world. He emphasized the need to perceive and envision this relationship in the broader context of global transformations, while acknowledging the challenges it has faced over the past four decades. Xi asserted that turning their backs on each other is not an option and highlighted the potential for mutual success and cooperation.
The meeting between Biden and Xi will cover various topics, including regional and global issues such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict. They are also expected to address potentially contentious subjects, including election interference, with Biden planning to warn Xi about potential influence operations.
The Biden administration has made significant efforts to restore diplomatic interaction with China over the past year. Key members of both teams have engaged in important discussions, and direct communication between U.S. and Chinese leadership has been prioritized. The goal is to establish a clear understanding between the two nations and work together on critical global challenges like climate change, counternarcotics, and artificial intelligence.
As the leaders prepare for their bilateral meeting, the world watches with anticipation. This meeting holds great significance for the relationship between the two largest economies and carries potential implications for global stability and progress.
