In Lima, President Xi Jinping vowed to collaborate with President-elect Trump during a meeting with President Biden, addressing key issues like trade and Taiwan. The discussions highlighted a desire for stable U.S.-China relations amidst the incoming administration’s hawkish stance. Xi is also focusing on strengthening ties in Latin America while both nations grapple with cyber security and regional tensions.
In Lima, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to work collaboratively with President-elect Donald Trump, marking a significant diplomatic moment during his first bilateral discussions with outgoing President Joe Biden after a seven-month hiatus. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, focused on critical issues including cybercrime, trade relations, Taiwan, and Russian support. Xi emphasized that China seeks a stable and constructive relationship with the United States, despite the “ups and downs” experienced in recent years. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Biden noted the necessity of candid dialogue, even amidst disagreements. As Trump prepares to take office, his proposed tariffs on Chinese imports are met with resistance from Beijing. The incoming administration plans to appoint individuals known for their tough stance on China, putting further strain on future relations. Meanwhile, Biden aims to lower tensions and pursue cooperation on global concerns such as North Korea, while addressing China’s alleged involvement in hacking U.S. communications. The dialogue also touched on Taiwan’s relations, with President Lai’s upcoming visit to the U.S. likely to exacerbate tensions with China. Additionally, Xi’s broader agenda involves strengthening economic ties in Latin America through diplomatic engagements and infrastructure investments. Ultimately, both leaders recognized the potential opportunity for cooperation during this transition period, with Biden’s senior security advisor emphasizing the importance of stability and predictability in U.S.-China relations. A scholar from Shanghai remarked that China is keen to avoid a downturn in relations before Trump’s inauguration. Amid Xi’s visit to Latin America—to pursue trade agreements and bolster regional influence—U.S. officials expressed concern over China’s ambitions for military presence in the region, demonstrating the ongoing strategic rivalry between the two nations.
The meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden in Lima is pivotal as it represents a moment of potential alignment before the transition to the Trump administration, which has signaled a more aggressive approach toward China. With Trump’s policies promising to escalate trade tensions through significant tariffs and the appointment of officials with a hawkish view on China, this meeting serves as a crucial juncture. Simultaneously, related issues concerning cyber security, geopolitical dynamics involving Taiwan, and regional influence in Latin America underline the complexities inherent in U.S.-China relations.
The discussions between President Xi and President Biden highlight the intricate balance of cooperative dialogue amidst profound differences. As both countries navigate a potentially tumultuous transition period, Xi’s commitment to stability, combined with Biden’s attempt to lower tensions, underscores the precarious yet essential nature of U.S.-China relations in the current geopolitical landscape. The outcome of these conversations may set the tone for future interactions under a new U.S. administration, illustrating the delicacy of international diplomacy amid evolving global challenges.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
