15-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) As anticipation builds for the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made remarks on the eve of Xi’s visit, emphasizing the importance of Asia-Pacific economies freely choosing their own path and partners. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in San Francisco on Tuesday (November 14th), Blinken referred to the 2020 APEC Leaders Kuala Lumpur Declaration, urging the 21 APEC member states to work towards building an “open, dynamic, strong, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.”
Although Blinken did not mention China directly in his speech, his words align with the stance the United States has taken in recent years. Washington has accused China of exerting undue influence over smaller countries in the Indo-Pacific region and attempting to undermine the existing “rules-based international order” established by the United States and its allies.
Blinken emphasized the United States’ belief in a vision where economies have the freedom to choose their own paths and partners, where challenges are addressed openly, rules are established transparently and enforced fairly, and the lawful and unrestricted movement of goods, ideas, and people is ensured.
In recent years, U.S.-China relations have been strained, but there have been recent signs of a potential thaw. The meeting between President Biden and President Xi in San Francisco will mark their second face-to-face encounter since 2021.
Prior to his arrival in San Francisco, President Biden acknowledged the prolonged tensions between the United States and China and expressed his desire to improve the relationship. He stated that the goal of his meeting with President Xi Jinping is to restore normal communication between the two superpowers, including reestablishing military-to-military contacts.
President Xi Jinping arrived at San Francisco Airport via a special plane on Tuesday at approximately 2:35 PM local time (6:35 AM Wednesday, Singapore time). President Biden had arrived in San Francisco earlier on the same day.
This visit by President Xi Jinping is his first to the United States since 2017. Following his discussions with President Biden, he will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Informal Meeting.
