Biden And Xi To Meet At APEC Summit In Peru

In a significant diplomatic development, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Saturday during the APEC summit in Peru. This meeting is particularly noteworthy as it may be their last encounter before Donald Trump potentially returns to the White House. The stakes are high, given that these two leaders represent the world's largest economies, and their discussions could shape future relations between the United States and China.

This upcoming meeting marks the third time Biden and Xi will engage in direct talks, following a pivotal set of discussions that took place in California a year ago. A senior US administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that this meeting is expected to be crucial. "We expect this will be their last meeting as presidents," the official stated. This highlights the urgency for both leaders to address pressing issues and manage their competitive relationship responsibly.

As President Biden prepares for this encounter, he is aware of the changing political landscape. Donald Trump has already indicated a more confrontational stance towards China if he returns to power, appointing several prominent critics of Beijing to key positions in his administration. This has raised concerns about the potential for a renewed trade war, especially with Trump’s proposal to impose 60-percent tariffs on Chinese imports.

During the meeting, it remains unclear whether Biden will offer advice to China on how to navigate a potential Trump presidency or if he will seek guidance from Trump on managing relations with China. The US official emphasized the complexity of this relationship, stating, "This is a difficult, complicated, consequential relationship." Biden has acknowledged the competitive nature of US-China relations and is expected to focus on finding ways to manage this competition in a responsible manner.

As Biden heads to Lima for the APEC summit, he is not only preparing for discussions with Xi but also for his final major gathering of Asia-Pacific economies. Following the summit, he will make history as the first US president to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, before concluding his international engagements at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

This meeting between Biden and Xi is more than just a diplomatic formality; it represents a critical juncture in international relations. As the world watches, the outcomes of their discussions could have lasting implications for global trade, security, and cooperation. It is a reminder that while competition is inevitable, the need for dialogue and understanding remains paramount in navigating the complexities of international relations.