US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet for the final time on Saturday at the Asia-Pacific summit in Peru. This meeting comes amidst growing concerns about the potential impact of Donald Trump’s return to the White House on the relationship between the two countries.
The meeting between Biden and Xi is seen as an opportunity to assess the progress made in US-China relations since their historic meeting in California a year ago. However, with Trump’s impending return to power, there is a sense of uncertainty and apprehension about the future of the relationship.
Trump’s victory in the election has caused a stir globally and has overshadowed the discussions at the APEC summit. His tough stance on China, including threats of imposing high tariffs on Chinese imports, has raised concerns about the possibility of a new trade war between the two economic giants.
Both Xi and Biden have expressed their concerns about the challenges that lie ahead. Xi spoke about the dangers of unilateralism and protectionism, while Biden emphasized the need for strong alliances in the face of significant political changes.
The return of Trump’s “America First” policies poses a threat to the alliances that Biden has worked to build, particularly in addressing issues like the conflict in Ukraine, climate change, and trade. Trump’s aggressive approach to China could have far-reaching consequences not only for the US but also for its allies and the global economy.
In addition to trade issues, the leaders are expected to discuss sensitive topics such as Taiwan and tensions in the South China Sea. The need to maintain open communication channels, including military-to-military hotlines, will be a key focus of the meeting.
As the APEC summit comes to a close, the attention will shift to the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where Trump’s presence is likely to continue to influence the diplomatic agenda. Biden’s upcoming visit to the Amazonian rainforest to address climate change highlights the contrasting approaches of the two leaders on this critical issue.
Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi is crucial in navigating the complex dynamics of US-China relations in the face of political changes and shifting global priorities. The outcome of their discussions will have implications not only for the two countries but also for the broader international community.
