Biden to Urge Xi on North Korea-Russia Relations in Final Talks

In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Joe Biden is poised to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for what is expected to be their final discussion before Biden leaves office. This meeting, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, comes at a critical time as tensions rise over North Korea's increasing support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As the clock ticks down to the end of Biden's presidency, he aims to persuade Xi to take a more active role in dissuading North Korea from deepening its ties with Russia. The urgency of this matter is underscored by recent actions from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has dispatched troops to assist Russia in its military efforts. Biden has labeled this cooperation as "dangerous and destabilizing," highlighting the potential for further escalation in an already volatile region.

During a recent meeting with South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Biden expressed his concerns regarding North Korea's military activities, which include a series of ballistic missile tests. The leaders collectively agreed that it is not in China's interest to support such destabilizing actions in the region. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among U.S. officials regarding China's role in North Korea's aggressive posturing.

Beyond the North Korean issue, Biden and Xi are expected to discuss a range of topics, including China's indirect support for Russia, human rights concerns, technological competition, and the sensitive issue of Taiwan. The relationship between the U.S. and China is fraught with challenges, and the upcoming transition to a Republican administration under President-elect Donald Trump adds another layer of uncertainty. Trump has previously indicated a willingness to impose significant tariffs on Chinese imports, which could further strain bilateral relations.

American businesses are already reacting to this uncertainty, with companies like Nike and Warby Parker diversifying their supply chains away from China. This shift reflects a broader trend among U.S. firms seeking to mitigate risks associated with potential trade conflicts.

As Biden prepares for this pivotal meeting, analysts note that Xi's audience extends beyond the White House. American CEOs are keenly interested in the outcome, as they seek to navigate the complexities of investing in China amidst a perceived hostile business environment. National security adviser Jake Sullivan has emphasized that managing competition with China will be a significant foreign policy challenge for the incoming Trump administration.

The upcoming meeting between Biden and Xi represents a crucial moment in U.S.-China relations, particularly in light of North Korea's actions and the broader geopolitical landscape. As both leaders engage in discussions that could shape the future of international relations, the world watches closely, aware that the decisions made in Lima could have far-reaching implications. The stakes are high, and the need for constructive dialogue has never been more pressing.