US-China Summit on Fentanyl and Military Communication Breakthrough
The upcoming summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to address important issues such as fentanyl trafficking and military communication. The discussions, according to sources familiar with the matter, indicate that the US hopes to secure a commitment from China to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US. Additionally, both countries seek to resume communication channels between their respective militaries.
China, on its part, expects an assurance from President Biden that his administration will not interfere in Taiwan’s pursuit of independence. This concern reflects Beijing’s unease over US involvement in the region.
To further facilitate productive discussions, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently met with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng. This meeting, which China highly desired, is aimed at evaluating potential restrictions on US investment in Chinese high-tech industries. Yellen is currently finalizing regulations following an executive order by President Biden in August.
One potential area of new cooperation between the two countries is the establishment of a joint working group to combat the fentanyl crisis. By combining efforts, they hope to effectively tackle the issue that has been a significant concern for the US.
Moreover, there is an expectation that the two leaders will announce the resumption of the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) during the summit. This agreement focuses on ensuring safety in the waters of the Asia-Pacific, including the contentious South China Sea. Both defense officials acknowledge the importance of establishing open communication channels to prevent any potential collisions or misunderstandings.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also sought a conversation with his Chinese counterpart for some time. This meeting could be a step towards bridging the gap between the two militaries.
The timing of these potential breakthroughs is noteworthy, as they follow the recent ousting of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Li had been under US sanctions since the previous administration, causing tensions between the two countries. China’s decision to engage with Austin would mark a significant development.
While the Biden-Xi summit has not been officially confirmed by China, it serves as a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to mend strained relations. Their last face-to-face meeting occurred over a year ago, during the November 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia. Efforts to strengthen ties were abruptly disrupted after the US shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, causing the cancellation of subsequent discussions.
In attempts to restore communication channels, high-ranking US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have made visits to China over the past months. This ongoing effort emphasizes the importance of dialogue between the US and China, as maintaining open lines of communication is vital between the world’s two most powerful governments.
Although previous plans to meet at the G20 summit in India did not materialize, President Biden has consistently expressed his intention to hold a face-to-face meeting with President Xi before the year concludes. The summit provides a promising platform to address key issues and promote a balanced view from different perspectives.
As the Biden administration focuses on diplomacy and rebuilding relations with China, the summit represents a significant opportunity for both countries to address pressing concerns and work towards establishing a more constructive relationship. The world will be watching closely as the leaders engage in critical discussions that have the potential to shape the future of US-China relations.
