U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on November 16 during the APEC summit in Lima, Peru. Key discussion points will include military contacts, the fentanyl crisis, AI risks, and China’s trade practices. This may be the last meeting before the Trump administration, which could alter the U.S. approach to China significantly.
U.S. President Joseph R. Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to convene in Lima, Peru, on November 16 during the 2024 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, as confirmed by the White House. This forthcoming meeting follows their previous engagements, which occurred at last year’s APEC summit in California and during the G20 summit in Bali in 2022. The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, particularly in resuming military-to-military communications, addressing the global fentanyl epidemic, and managing the potential risks associated with Artificial Intelligence. President Biden intends to convey the United States’ grave concerns regarding China’s backing of Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as China’s contribution to North Korea’s military assistance to Russia. Furthermore, the President will reiterate his long-standing grievances regarding China’s trade practices that adversely affect American labor. Other pressing issues on the agenda include heightened Chinese cyber-operations targeting U.S. infrastructure, growing military activities concerning Taiwan, and other regional matters in the South China Sea, alongside a firm reminder of the importance of human rights. This meeting is expected to be the final engagement between the two leaders before the inauguration of the incoming administration of Donald Trump in January. President-elect Trump has selected notable critics of China for pivotal foreign policy roles, potentially signaling a more confrontational strategy towards Beijing. As indicated by a senior administration official, it is crucial for the next administration to navigate the complexities of U.S.-China relations, particularly regarding contentious subjects such as military collaborations and trade policies that could further strain these interactions. President Xi is likely contemplating the prospective policies of the Trump administration, especially concerning trade, hinting at the uncertainty that could arise from proposed tariffs on Chinese imports. The upcoming discussions in Lima symbolize a crucial juncture for both nations amid a backdrop of evolving geopolitical challenges.
The meeting between President Biden and President Xi in Lima signifies a continuation of diplomatic channels between the United States and China, two nations with intricate and often contentious relations. Given the global economy’s interdependence, cooperation in areas such as trade, military stability, and cyber-security is paramount. Past engagements between the two leaders highlight ongoing dialogues concerning mutual interests and pressing global issues. As geopolitical dynamics shift, particularly with the upcoming U.S. presidential transition, this meeting might influence future relations and strategy concerning China.
In summary, the anticipated meeting between President Biden and President Xi in Lima, Peru, presents an opportunity to address significant bilateral issues and global challenges. Critical discussions will cover military communications, trade policies, and the geopolitical implications of China’s actions in the realm of security and human rights. The meeting’s outcomes may have substantial impacts on U.S.-China relations, particularly with the upcoming transition to a Trump administration that may adopt a different stance toward Beijing. As both leaders prepare for this crucial dialogue, the global community remains watchful of the implications for international diplomacy and trade.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
