President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the final time this week, marking the end of Biden's term and the transition to President-elect Donald Trump in January. The meeting, scheduled for Saturday during a summit of Pacific leaders in Peru, signifies the culmination of Biden's efforts to navigate the complex relationship between the US and China.
This will be the third meeting between the two leaders since Biden assumed office. Unlike previous meetings, the Lima talks are not expected to yield significant outcomes but rather serve as a moment of reflection between the two leaders who have known each other for over a decade.
With Trump's impending presidency, characterized by a tough stance on China, there are uncertainties about how the US-China relationship will evolve. The Biden administration has taken steps to address Chinese technology concerns and strengthen alliances in Asia as a counterbalance to Beijing.
Xi's willingness to meet with Biden during his lame-duck period suggests a desire for continuity and stability during the US leadership transition. However, the future direction of the US-China relationship post-Biden remains uncertain.
Key issues such as Russia relations, cross-strait matters, South China Sea disputes, and cybersecurity challenges will be inherited by the incoming Trump administration. The global landscape is further complicated by Xi's alliances with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, raising concerns in Washington.
Trump's approach to China is expected to be confrontational, as indicated by his selection of advisers advocating a tough stance on Beijing and his plans for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports.
Biden has prioritized communication with Xi, emphasizing regular dialogue and cooperation on issues like fentanyl trafficking and climate change. He has also invested in infrastructure projects to compete with China globally.
As global power dynamics shift, Xi's recent inauguration of a port in Peru underscores China's expanding influence in the southern hemisphere. The upcoming meeting between Biden and Xi holds significance as they discuss the future trajectory of US-China relations.
The meeting in Lima draws parallels to a similar encounter between former President Obama and Xi in 2016, highlighting the continuity and evolution of US-China interactions over the years.
