In a significant diplomatic move, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit of Pacific Rim nations in the San Francisco Bay area next week. The talks are expected to cover various aspects of the US-China bilateral relationship, with an emphasis on maintaining open communication lines and aligning interests in areas of work and trade cooperation.
Agenda of the Summit: Navigating Complex Geopolitical Challenges
The summit, set against the backdrop of escalating tensions globally, will address crucial geopolitical issues. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict are anticipated to be pivotal points of discussion. The US will likely seek China’s cooperation in defusing tensions and fostering stability in these volatile regions.
Key Points to be Discussed:
- Bilateral Relations: Biden and Xi will delve into the dynamics of the US-China relationship, addressing trade tensions and seeking avenues for collaboration.
- Open Communication: The importance of maintaining open lines of communication will be emphasized to foster transparency and understanding between the two nations.
- Regional and Global Issues: A broad spectrum of regional and global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas situation, will be on the agenda.
Background and Expectations:
The meeting comes nearly a year after the leaders’ last in-person interaction during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. As trade tensions persist, the summit aims to build on discussions held in November 2022, exploring avenues for responsible competition and collaboration, particularly in areas such as trade and manufacturing.
Implications of the Biden-Xi Meeting:
Given China’s substantial role as a global supplier of infrastructure materials and a major trading partner with the US, the summit gains significance. Recent developments, including China’s alliance with Russia in the Ukraine conflict, have raised concerns in the US State Department, adding complexity to the diplomatic dialogue.
US-China Relations and Diplomatic Strategy:
While acknowledging challenges, White House and US State Department officials have emphasized the deepening of alliances with countries like India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. High-level diplomacy is seen as crucial, focusing on steady and consistent approaches that do not compromise national interests and values.
Building on Past Engagements:
Since the previous Biden-Xi meeting in Bali, diplomatic exchanges have been restored between the US and China. Trips to Beijing by key US officials have played a role in maintaining channels of communication and managing competition between the two nations.
Working-Level Consultations:
In addition to the summit, the US and China have initiated working-level consultations in carefully chosen areas. These discussions encompass arms control, maritime issues, macroeconomic matters, and debt issues, reflecting an effort to deepen understanding and cooperation.
Challenges and Future Prospects:
US-China relations have faced challenges, from trade deficits to geopolitical tensions. The summit becomes a crucial platform to address these issues, with discussions likely to cover a wide array of topics, including the South China Sea, trade imbalances, and recent restrictions on technology exports.
Republicans’ Call for Policy Modification:
In the lead-up to the summit, Republicans on the House Select Committee on China have urged Biden to challenge Beijing and modify US policy towards China. The call emphasizes the need for a proactive stance to improve relations and ensure a constructive dialogue.
Finalizing Summit Details:
While the announcement specifies the summit’s occurrence in the San Francisco Bay area, the exact location remains undisclosed for operational security reasons.
