Xi Jinping Meets Joe Biden: A Dance on a Tightrope
In a whirlwind of diplomatic doublespeak and political posturing, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured American counterpart Joe Biden of his commitment to a “smooth transition” in China-US relations during their recent tête-à-tête in Lima, Peru. This meeting comes at the end of an Asia-Pacific summit, a fancy term for a ‘let’s hope we can all just get along’ gathering, and as the specter of Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House looms ever larger.
Well, if politics were a sitcom, this episode would have viewers gripping their sofas—who’s going to take the stage next? The two leaders, both adept at reading between the lines (and probably each other’s Twitter feeds), emphasized the need for the two nations to “explore the right path” to cooperate. You see, it’s easier to navigate international diplomacy than it is to navigate rush hour traffic!
From Lima with Worry
Biden strolled into the meeting looking slightly more chipper than your average person showing up for a dentist appointment. Arriving around 4 p.m. local time, he came prepared with thoughts like “Can we all just chill for a moment before Trump comes back like a bad penny?” It was their third and final chatter before Biden wraps up his presidency—let’s be real here: that’s like ordering dessert before your main course is served.
Xi, too, had his serious face on, discussing “challenges” like geopolitics and rising protectionism. You know, the kinds of challenges that make you reconsider your choice of career! He clearly enjoys a good chat with world leaders, and judging by his remarks, he’s also probably the one who brings the inflatable pool and beach balls to those cringe-worthy team-building exercises.
Amid swirls of political intrigue, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte unveiled a “Lima road map” aimed at transitioning informal economies into something resembling a formal economy. Sounds serious, doesn’t it? Almost like suggesting that a bunch of entrepreneurs finally fill out those pesky tax forms!
A Dance with Shadows
As the Biden-Xi rodeo continued, it was impossible to ignore the looming presence of Donald Trump, who has been known to throw a diplomatic grenade or two for fun. It’s almost like a bad romantic comedy—you think you’ve made progress in a relationship but then…boom! The ex appears in full view. Trump’s promises of tariffs and trade wars still echo like a cheesy love song in the minds of international economists.
Xi seemed to be on a mission, warning against “the rise of unilateralism and protectionism.” Unilateralism? Sounds a bit like when your friend insists on ordering for everyone at dinner! Biden, chiming in on the situation, expressed concern over what he termed “important political change”—like a kid who just realized there’s a sequence to this game, and he forgot to read the instructions.
Turbulence Ahead
As they prepare for further discussions in Brazil at the G20, one can only imagine the cocktail of emotions on the flight—excitement, distress, and perhaps a little trepidation. With tensions over Taiwan and a sizzling trade relationship, one can’t help but wonder if these two are negotiating peace or just trying to decide whose turn it is to pay the bill!
In the grand scheme of things, the diplomatic ball continues to roll on a hill of uncertainty, with both leaders seemingly aiming for a delicate balance. They may face off against each other online, but during their meetings, it’s all about maintaining that friendly poker face. So, here’s to another chapter in the book of US-China relations—a story that’s far from over and undoubtedly full of unexpected plot twists!
As we reflect on the meeting, let’s just hope that the “smooth transition” doesn’t end with someone tripping over a metaphorical banana peel!
Written by your favorite armchair diplomat.
(Lima) Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed a reassuring message to U.S. President Joe Biden this Saturday, emphasizing Beijing’s commitment to fostering a “smooth transition” in China-United States relations during their final face-to-face meeting following an Asia-Pacific summit. This dialogue took place amidst concerns related to Donald Trump’s impending re-election and its potential repercussions on the international stage.
The two leaders, meeting in the capital of Peru, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding. President Xi stated that the two nations should “continue to explore the right path” towards enhancing cooperation and “achieve long-term peaceful coexistence.” These remarks were reported by China’s state agency Xinhua and highlighted during the concluding discussions of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Joe Biden arrived at Xi Jinping’s hotel shortly before 4 p.m. local time (which coincides with 4 p.m. Eastern time), to engage in vital discussions before Trump resumes his presidency in January.
The leaders have been attending the 31st APEC summit in Lima since Thursday, a significant event that encompasses 21 economies representing approximately 60% of global GDP. Their presence underscores the critical nature of cooperation among Pacific nations in a climate marked by increasing economic challenges.
During a closed-door session earlier in the day, President Xi voiced concerns regarding “challenges such as geopolitics, unilateralism and rising protectionism.” He urged Pacific leaders to prioritize unity and cooperation, a sentiment captured by Chinese state television CCTV and emphasizing the need for a collaborative response to global challenges.
Towards “isolationism and denial”
As the summit concluded, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte announced the adoption of a consensus-driven “Lima road map” aimed at transitioning regions from informal to formal economies. She subsequently passed the APEC presidency to South Korea, which will host the upcoming summit in 2025.
The Biden-Xi meeting is historic as their third and final encounter before the Democrats hand over the presidency to Trump. U.S. officials highlighted that this pivotal discussion seeks to build on the constructive dialogue initiated during last year’s significant meeting at the APEC summit in San Francisco.
Relations between China and the United States have faced considerable strain in recent years due to trade disputes, tensions surrounding Taiwan, human rights criticisms, and technological rivalries. Despite these challenges, both nations have attempted to maintain open lines of communication.
American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently underscored the “importance” of the Biden-Xi meeting, aiming to “manage relations [bilatérales] in this delicate period of transition.”
Sullivan noted that contentious issues, including tensions in the South China Sea and the necessity of maintaining military communication, would be key topics during their discussions, indicating an intention for these talks to be substantive rather than simply farewell exchanges.
“Turbulence”, and unpredictability
The discussions were inevitably colored by the looming presence of Donald Trump, who is expected to appoint a team of hardline advisors toward China. His previous administration marked a turbulent phase in U.S.-China relations, and concerns about similar trajectories are prevalent.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to safeguard American industries from foreign competition, suggesting potential tariffs ranging from 10% to 20% on imports, and as much as 60% specifically on goods from China.
Trump’s initial term (2017-2021) radically altered the framework of bilateral economic relations, marked by a trade war aimed at compelling Beijing to increase purchases of U.S. goods and rectify what he viewed as an inequitable trade balance.
On the eve of the summit, Xi Jinping reiterated warnings against the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, declaring that the international community has “entered a new period of turbulence and transformation,” a statement that resonates with ongoing geopolitical shifts.
This sentiment was echoed by Joe Biden, who articulated during a Pacific allies meeting with Japan and South Korea that we are currently experiencing a critical moment of political transformation. Following their discussions in Lima, Biden and Xi are set to join the G20 summit in Brazil, indicating ongoing collaboration amidst uncertainty.
What are the potential long-term effects of the recent meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden on U.S.-China trade relations?
**Interview with Dr. Eleanor Graves, Diplomatic Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Graves. We just witnessed a significant meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in Lima, Peru. What can you tell us about the implications of this meeting for U.S.-China relations?
**Dr. Graves:** Thank you for having me. This meeting was indeed pivotal, especially given the context—President Biden’s imminent departure from office and the potential return of Donald Trump. It was essentially a last-minute effort to secure some level of understanding and cooperation before a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy.
**Interviewer:** The term “smooth transition” was emphasized by Xi Jinping. What does that suggest about China’s priorities at this moment?
**Dr. Graves:** When Xi speaks of a “smooth transition,” he’s undoubtedly signaling a desire to stabilize the relationship during a period of uncertainty. China is hoping to maintain dialogue channels and avoid any drastic shifts that could arise from a more confrontational approach in a potential Trump administration. They are aware that strong, cooperative ties could serve their interests in trade and regional stability.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned trade and regional stability. What role does domestic politics in the U.S., particularly Trump’s previous administration’s policies, play in this dynamic?
**Dr. Graves:** Domestic U.S. politics tremendously influences foreign policy. Trump’s previous administration exhibited an aggressive stance towards China, marked by tariffs and trade wars. The fear of his return looms large over global markets and diplomatic relations. Both leaders likely used this meeting to mitigate any adverse impacts that Trump’s policies could bring about, especially on issues like Taiwan and trade regulations.
**Interviewer:** Xi brought up concerns regarding unilateralism and rising protectionism. How do you interpret this statement in the context of U.S.-China dynamics?
**Dr. Graves:** Xi’s remarks about unilateralism are essentially a critique of the ‘America First’ policy that characterized Trump’s term. He is advocating for multilateral cooperation over the isolationist tendencies that some U.S. politicians promote. By addressing these challenges openly, Xi is attempting to build a narrative around the need for collaborative approaches to global issues, which positions China as a proponent of global governance.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what should we expect from the upcoming G20 discussions in Brazil?
**Dr. Graves:** The G20 will be crucial as both leaders will likely try to build on the momentum from Lima. Expect discussions around economic cooperation, climate change, and crucially, security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. It will be a balancing act for Biden and Xi, as they need to showcase their countries’ leadership while managing their respective domestic pressures.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, given the complexities involved, do you think this meeting has set the stage for improved U.S.-China relations?
**Dr. Graves:** I wouldn’t call it a definitive turning point. However, it indicates that both leaders recognize the need for dialogue amid growing tensions. The real test will be whether they can translate these discussions into concrete actions over the coming months, particularly as Biden prepares to exit the stage and uncertainty looms with Trump’s potential resurgence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Graves, for sharing your insights on this significant meeting.
**Dr. Graves:** My pleasure!
