Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Peru, reflecting on their four-year relationship and discussing future diplomatic prospects. The meeting comes as Donald Trump prepares to return to the presidency, potentially bringing significant changes to US-China relations.
During their discussion, both leaders acknowledged the complexities of their bilateral relationship, with Xi expressing China’s readiness to maintain communication and expand cooperation. Biden emphasized the importance of managing strategic competition without escalating into conflict, stating that their responsibility is to prevent any potential confrontation.
The meeting highlighted the challenges and achievements of their diplomatic interactions over the past four years. While there were notable tensions, including the spy balloon incident and military displays around Taiwan, both sides also found areas of potential collaboration. They previously reached agreements on combating narcotics and addressing climate change during a summit in San Francisco last year.
However, the incoming Trump administration poses potential challenges. Trump has pledged to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and has appointed several China hawks to key foreign and defense positions. During his previous term, Trump labeled China a “strategic competitor” and used inflammatory language like calling Covid-19 the “Chinese virus.”
Analysts suggest that Beijing is particularly concerned about Trump’s unpredictability. Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific Program noted that while China is prepared to negotiate, they are also ready to retaliate if confronted with higher tariffs. There are concerns about the lack of reliable communication channels with the Trump administration.
Biden’s presidency maintained some Trump-era policies, including continuing existing tariffs and imposing new duties on Chinese electric cars, solar panels, and steel. He also strengthened defense alliances in Asia and the Pacific to counter China’s regional assertiveness, while explicitly stating that the US would defend Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion.
China considers its claim to Taiwan a “red line,” which remains a significant point of potential conflict. Despite these tensions, both leaders expressed a desire to manage their differences diplomatically.
The meeting represents a critical moment in US-China relations, with both sides recognizing the need for careful navigation of their complex geopolitical relationship. Xi reiterated China’s goal of maintaining a stable relationship with Washington, while Biden stressed the importance of preventing strategic competition from escalating into outright conflict.
As Trump prepares to return to the presidency, the future of US-China relations remains uncertain. The potential for increased trade tensions, combined with strategic and military challenges, suggests that diplomatic engagement will be crucial in maintaining global stability.
