Biden and Xi to Meet for Constructive Talks in San Francisco: Latest Step in US-China Relations
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet face-to-face in San Francisco in November for a constructive conversation, according to the White House. The meeting, which is still being finalized, aims to stabilize relations between the two global superpowers and address growing international conflicts.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the meeting between Biden and Xi will take place in San Francisco, emphasizing the need for intense diplomacy in the face of intense competition. While details of the meeting agenda and other aspects have not been disclosed, an agreement in principle for a face-to-face meeting was reached during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to Washington, D.C.
The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, involving 21 Pacific countries. However, Beijing has yet to confirm President Xi’s attendance at the summit.
Tensions between the United States and China remain high, with disagreements over U.S. export controls on advanced technology and China’s assertive actions in regions such as the East and South China seas. The two countries have also been discussing their responses to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Experts view the Biden-Xi meeting as a positive sign of both countries’ commitment to addressing their differences. However, challenges persist, and both sides are likely focused on ensuring that the meeting’s scope and outcomes are determined in advance to avoid surprises or embarrassment.
The Chinese foreign ministry has emphasized the need for dialogue between the U.S. and China, referring to a past meeting between Xi and Biden at a G20 summit. The ministry highlighted the importance of eliminating interference, overcoming obstacles, and finding common ground between the two countries.
The Biden administration has made it clear that China’s aggressive behavior, particularly in the South China Sea, will not go unaddressed. The Pentagon recently released a report detailing China’s military build-up in the region, including numerous instances of dangerous intercepts of U.S. and partner aircraft. Canada, a U.S. ally, has also been targeted.
Biden, who assumed office in 2021, has not yet hosted President Xi on U.S. soil. The U.S.-China relationship has experienced significant friction since 2018, with issues ranging from trade disputes to human rights abuses and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the meeting between Biden and Xi approaches, expectations are high for productive discussions that can contribute to stabilizing U.S.-China relations. Both leaders understand the importance of managing competition responsibly and addressing global challenges, as well as maintaining open lines of communication.
In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco represents a significant step in efforts to stabilize diplomatic relations between the two countries. Despite ongoing tensions and disagreements, both sides recognize the need for dialogue and aim to find common ground on vital issues. The meeting’s outcomes will likely have wide-ranging implications for the future of U.S.-China relations and global stability.
