Biden and Xi Jinping Meet: Final Talks Before Trump’s Presidency and Geopolitical Shifts

Joe Biden will meet with Xi Jinping on Saturday at the Apec summit in Peru. This meeting is expected to be the last between the two leaders before Donald Trump takes office in January. The White House stated that Biden aims to maintain “stability, clarity, and predictability” during this transition period.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of transitions in geopolitics, noting they can create opportunities for competitors. Biden is likely to discuss China’s role in urging North Korea to reduce its involvement in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Pentagon and NATO recently confirmed that around 10,000 North Korean troops have joined Russia’s offensive efforts in Ukraine.

On Friday, Biden affirmed alliances with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. They agreed that destabilizing cooperation in the region is not in China’s interest.

Trump’s upcoming presidency raises concerns about future US-China relations. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports and to quickly end the war in Ukraine, raising fears about reduced support for Ukraine and increased Chinese influence.

How do North Korea’s⁢ actions influence the⁤ conversation between​ the US and China?

Interview with Dr.‍ Emily Chen,‍ China-US Relations Specialist

NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Chen. How significant is the timing of President Biden’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping at the Apec summit in Peru?

Dr. Chen: This meeting is ​particularly pivotal as it marks the last interaction between the leaders ‌before Donald Trump presumably takes office in January. The geopolitical landscape may⁤ substantially change with Trump’s presidency, and this meeting serves as Biden’s final opportunity to convey his policies and vision ⁤before ​that transition.

NewsDirectory3: What ‌specific issues do you​ expect to be on the agenda?

Dr. Chen: I anticipate discussions will⁤ center on North Korea and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, particularly since it’s⁢ been‌ reported that‍ North Korean ​troops have aided Russian⁣ efforts. Biden will ⁣likely urge Xi to leverage China’s influence over North Korea to ease tensions ​and stabilize the region.

NewsDirectory3: National security adviser Jake Sullivan⁣ mentioned the potential risks that transitions pose. What‌ could be the implications of this?

Dr.‌ Chen: Transitions can create openings for adversaries to⁣ exploit‌ uncertainties. If competitors perceive a lack of cohesion in US foreign policy during this time, ‍they⁢ might take bold actions—such as increasing military provocations or expanding their influence. Biden’s goal ⁤of maintaining‍ “stability, clarity, and predictability” is crucial in assuaging these vulnerabilities.

NewsDirectory3: How does Trump’s ​presidency alter the dynamics of US-China⁤ relations?

Dr. Chen: Trump’s approach is ⁤characterized by a more aggressive stance towards China. His proposals, including ​steep tariffs and potential reductions in support for Ukraine, signal a shift ⁤that could⁢ strain ⁤bilateral⁤ ties. Moreover, the appointments of Marco Rubio ⁤and Mike ⁤Waltz to key⁢ positions indicate ‍a likely pivot toward a more confrontational​ policy.

NewsDirectory3: Xi Jinping has expressed a desire for cooperation, despite recognizing challenges. What challenges are most pressing?

Dr. Chen: Xi is contending with issues such as unilateralism and protectionism, which could further complicate‍ cooperation. ‍The recent FBI‍ investigation into Chinese hacking efforts is another layer of tension that could exacerbate mistrust between the two ​nations, underscoring the fragility of the proposed cooperative approach.

NewsDirectory3: what do you believe⁢ will be the key takeaways from the Biden-Xi⁣ meeting?

Dr. Chen: I ⁣expect that this meeting will likely set the tone for US-China relations under the incoming Trump administration. Biden will aim to⁢ reinforce the importance of dialogue on key issues like North Korea, while also trying to establish a framework that‍ might withstand the critical transition period. Meanwhile, Xi will need to navigate these discussions ‌carefully to ensure China’s interests are upheld amidst evolving dynamics.

NewsDirectory3: ‌Thank you for your insights, Dr. Chen.

Dr. Chen: Thank you​ for having me.

Trump recently appointed Florida Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz as national security adviser. Both have advocated for a tough stance on China.

Xi congratulated Trump on his victory and noted the importance of a cooperative relationship between the US and China. However, he also warned of increasing challenges like unilateralism and protectionism. US officials are concerned about a recent FBI investigation into alleged Chinese hacking efforts targeting American telecommunications, including phones connected to Trump and Kamala Harris’s staff.