In a significant diplomatic encounter, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his willingness to collaborate with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump during what is anticipated to be the final meeting with current President Joe Biden. This pivotal meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Peru. The leaders alluded to the “ups and downs” experienced in U.S.-China relations throughout Biden’s four-year presidency, recognizing both challenges and advancements in their interactions.
During their meeting, the two leaders highlighted some of the progress made in easing tensions, particularly concerning trade and the contentious issue of Taiwan. However, geopolitical analysts warn that the U.S.-China relationship may enter a more turbulent phase when Trump resumes office in just a couple of months. Trump’s previous policy platforms included significant economic measures such as imposing tariffs that could exacerbate existing tensions.
Specifically, Trump has proposed implementing tariffs as high as 60% on all imports from China, a move that could have dire implications for international trade and relations between the two countries. Trump’s selection of known China hawks for key roles in foreign and defense policies raises further the stakes of U.S.-China interactions as they prepare for a potential shift in the strategic balance between the two superpowers.
Historically, Trump’s first term saw a deterioration in bilateral relations, particularly marked by his characterization of the COVID-19 pandemic as the “Chinese virus,” which further fueled tensions between Washington and Beijing. In light of these past complexities, Xi emphasized during their Lima meeting that China’s commitment to a stable relationship with the United States would not waver. He remarked that China is prepared to build a cooperative approach with the newly incoming administration while managing disagreements to ensure productive outcomes.
Biden, at the APEC summit, echoed a commitment to preventing the rivalry between the U.S. and China from escalating into military conflict. He stated that it is crucial for both nations to ensure their competition doesn’t devolve into confrontation, highlighting a sense of responsibility shared between the two leaders. Reflecting on his experience over the past four years, Biden expressed confidence that a positive relationship has been possible between the two global powers, despite persistent challenges.
Throughout Biden’s term, there have indeed been multiple flashpoints that caused strains, including incidents such as the “spy balloon saga” and increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan, particularly after a senior U.S. official’s visit. For China, Taiwan represents a critical area of national interest, and they have publicly stated that any perceived threats to their sovereignty in this domain would result in serious repercussions.
Analysts have noted that Beijing is particularly wary of Trump’s unpredictability as he prepares for his second term. Experts like Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund suggest that China is keen on engaging with the Trump team early to negotiate potential transactions and stabilize the situation. Simultaneously, they are reportedly ready to retaliate should Trump follow through on his threatened tariffs, revealing the fragility of the ongoing negotiations and the delicate balancing act required in U.S.-China relations.
Adding to this complex backdrop, Biden has acknowledged that while disagreements with Xi have always existed, their discussions have maintained a quality of frankness and candidness throughout. The pair’s previous meetings, including a significant summit in San Francisco last year, led to agreements on pressing global issues such as narcotics and climate change.
In a continuation of Trump’s protective economic stance, Biden has upheld many of the tariffs implemented during the previous administration and has even introduced additional duties on specific Chinese imports. Concurrently, his administration has sought to bolster defense partnerships in Asia and the Pacific, attempting to counteract rising Chinese influence in the region. Biden has also reinforced the notion that the U.S. would actively defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion by China, emphasizing a resolute stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
As international observers analyze the implications of this multifaceted interaction, it remains evident that the upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of U.S.-China relations under Trump’s potential leadership. The intricate web of diplomacy, economic strategy, and military posturing will ultimately define the next chapter in this complex bilateral relationship.
