Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, to address bilateral tensions on issues ranging from trade and cybersecurity to Taiwan and the war in Ukraine. The meeting, marked by candid exchanges, comes as Donald Trump prepares to return to office in January 2025.
Commitment to Stable Relations
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining a “stable, healthy, and sustainable” relationship with the United States despite current challenges. He also expressed a willingness to work with the incoming Trump administration. Biden, in turn, emphasized the importance of keeping open dialogue between leaders even after his term ends.
Key Issues Addressed
- Trade and Technology: Biden defended his restrictive measures on U.S. investments in strategic Chinese sectors, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, citing national security concerns.
- Taiwan: Tensions flared over this issue. Biden criticized China’s military activities around the island, while Xi condemned Taiwanese separatist actions.
- Cyberattacks: Biden raised concerns about a recent hacking incident attributed to China, which Xi strongly denied.
- South China Sea: Xi urged the U.S. not to interfere in regional maritime disputes, rejecting an international ruling invalidating China’s claims.
China’s Role in Ukraine
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with Biden urging China to use its influence to prevent escalation, particularly given North Korea’s growing military support for Russia.
China’s Latin American Outreach
Simultaneously, Xi has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Latin America, aiming to strengthen China’s economic and political ties in the region. This initiative has raised concerns among U.S. officials, who fear increased Chinese influence near their borders.
An Uncertain Future
With Trump’s imminent return to the White House, U.S.-China relations remain precarious. Xi, however, called for constructive cooperation while warning of the negative consequences of heightened rivalry between the two nations.
