Chinese President Xi Jinping met with outgoing President Joe Biden for the last time, expressing readiness to work with the new US administration for a smooth transition in bilateral ties. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in Lima, where concerns of new trade wars and diplomatic tensions loomed as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January.
Xi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to stable ties with Washington and expressed willingness to cooperate with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences for a smooth transition in the China-US relationship. This meeting marked the leaders’ second face-to-face interaction since their landmark summit in California last year.
While Biden acknowledged the progress made in their relationship, he stressed the importance of preventing competition from escalating into conflict. The impending return of Trump, known for his confrontational approach towards China, has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of tensions between the two nations.
During the meeting, Biden raised key points of tension, including China’s support of Russia’s defense industry and North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia. The transfer of power in Washington was a significant topic of discussion, with both leaders emphasizing the need for stability in the US-China relationship during this transition period.
The meeting followed a two-day summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping, where leaders from various countries discussed pressing issues such as protectionism and climate change. Xi urged APEC nations to unite and cooperate, emphasizing the importance of addressing global challenges together.
As Biden prepares to pass the baton to the incoming administration, his efforts to strengthen relations with key allies and address climate change remain crucial. The upcoming G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro will be another opportunity for world leaders to engage on these issues and shape the future of international cooperation.
Overall, the meeting between Xi and Biden highlighted the complexities of international relations and the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing global challenges. As the world watches the transition of power in Washington, the outcomes of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the future of US-China relations and global governance.
