In brief
Biden’s meeting with Xi in Peru underscores a critical moment in U.S.-China relations, especially with Trump poised to shift strategies from diplomacy to a more confrontational stance.
On November 16, 2024, President Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Peru during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics between the two superpowers. As Trump prepares to resume his presidency in January with a promise of a more aggressive stance towards China, this meeting may have been Biden's last opportunity to engage directly with Xi.Xi began the discussion by acknowledging the recent U.S. elections, expressing China's ongoing objective for a "stable, healthy, and sustainable" relationship with the United States. Despite Biden's administration highlighting successful diplomatic channels to mitigate tensions, recent developments indicate China’s intention to remain assertive.Concerns within the U.S. administration are mounting due to China's burgeoning ties with Russia's Vladimir Putin, alongside allegations that Chinese hackers infiltrated U.S. telecommunications networks to access sensitive information. Additionally, China's military maneuvers, particularly around Taiwan and in the contested South China Sea, continue to alarm American officials, signifying a trend of increasing assertiveness that Biden seeks to challenge.As Biden prepares to hand over the reins of power, the possibility of a more confrontational U.S. approach under Trump raises questions about the future of bilateral relations, potentially ushering in rougher seas ahead for diplomacy between Washington and Beijing.
