14-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) The White House announced on Monday that President Joe Biden is set to engage in crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this week. The face-to-face meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area, marks the first direct encounter between the leaders in a year and is geared towards mitigating tensions between the United States and China.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan addressed reporters, emphasizing President Biden’s conviction that face-to-face diplomacy is irreplaceable in managing the intricate relationship between the two superpowers. Sullivan stated, “We anticipate that the leaders will discuss some of the most fundamental elements of the U.S.-PRC bilateral relationship, including the continued importance of strengthening open lines of communication and managing competition responsibly so that it does not veer into conflict,” with PRC referring to the People’s Republic of China.
Highlighting the significance of diplomacy, Sullivan explained, “The way we achieve that is through intense diplomacy. That’s how we clear up misperceptions and avoid surprises.” He assured that President Biden enters the summit on solid ground, with the United States well-positioned for effective competition globally and boasting “the strongest recovery and lowest inflation of any leading economy.”
The White House’s specific outcomes for the meeting include progress in reestablishing military-to-military ties with China and addressing the trade in fentanyl, a pressing issue in the United States. Military communication between the two nations was severed by China last year, escalating tensions. Sullivan stressed that re-establishing these links is crucial to preventing competition from escalating into conflict and indicated positive dialogue leading up to the summit.
The historical context of the relationship between President Biden and President Xi adds complexity to the discussions. While the leaders have known each other for over a decade, their interactions have been limited, and mutual suspicion may shape the atmosphere of the talks.
In addition to bilateral issues, the meeting is expected to cover a range of global topics, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea’s ties with Russia, Taiwan, human rights, artificial intelligence, and “fair” trade and economic relations. Senior Biden administration officials highlighted that President Biden would also address stability in the Middle East, asserting that China should share an interest in de-escalation.
Leaders from the 21-member APEC forum are convening in San Francisco from Wednesday to Friday. However, divisions over the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine pose challenges to crafting a strong consensus statement, according to senior U.S. APEC official Matt Murray.
Sullivan affirmed that, at APEC, President Biden would articulate his economic vision for the region, emphasizing the United States’ role as the primary driver of inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific. The outcome of the Biden-Xi meeting and the subsequent developments at APEC will be closely monitored as the world looks to understand the trajectory of U.S.-China relations and their impact on global affairs.
