In a significant diplomatic event, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet for the last time during Biden's presidency. This final interaction will occur in Lima, Peru, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. This meeting, set for Saturday, marks a crucial moment for discussing the future of U.S.-China relations.
According to Breitbart, the presidents will evaluate their efforts in managing bilateral competition and addressing global challenges throughout Biden’s term.
Xi Jinping has already embarked on his journey to Peru, accompanied by a delegation of top diplomats and Communist Party officials, as reported by Xinhua. The Chinese leader's early departure underscores the meeting's importance to China's diplomatic agenda.
Following Xi, President Biden will depart for Peru on Thursday, with plans to attend the summit and engage in several high-profile diplomatic discussions until Sunday. After that, his itinerary includes visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the upcoming G20 Summit.
Additionally, Biden has scheduled a stop in Manaus, located in the Amazon Rainforest. This visit aims to meet with local and indigenous leaders, highlighting his continuing commitment to environmental issues and indigenous peoples' rights amidst his international diplomatic duties.
The agenda for the meeting between Xi and Biden revolves around reviewing the achievements in responsibly managing their competitive relationship while improving bilateral connections over the past four years. Their previous meeting in San Francisco during the 2023 APEC Summit had led to significant agreements, such as the return of pandas to the San Diego Zoo and the resumption of military communications between the two nations.
President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office in January, has signaled a potentially tougher stance towards China than the outgoing administration. Trump's plans to appoint Senator Marco Rubio, known for his critical views on China, as the head of the State Department could further complicate U.S.-China ties. Rubio was previously sanctioned by China in 2020 for his comments and actions regarding human rights issues in Hong Kong and the treatment of Uyghurs.
In light of these potential shifts, Xi Jinping has reached out to Trump, congratulating him on his election victory and underscoring the mutual benefits of a stable and cooperative U.S.-China relationship. This gesture hints at China’s interest in maintaining a functional relationship despite looming changes.
Meanwhile, Biden has assured Trump of his intention to facilitate a smooth transition. During a meeting with Trump, Biden emphasized his readiness to support the incoming administration, fulfilling his commitment to uphold the democratic process and ensure the stability of U.S. governance during the handover.
Biden's administration, while preparing for his exit, has been subject to critique, particularly regarding the handling of an Alaska summit in March 2021. During this event, U.S. delegates faced challenging rebukes from Chinese officials over human rights, an encounter that critics say was not managed effectively by Biden's team.
Despite these controversies, Biden's tenure has seen some collaborative successes such as agreements on military communications and environmental cooperation, which were highlighted by climate envoys of both countries. These areas have demonstrated the capacity for constructive dialogue and mutual interests that can help stabilize intense competition.
An unnamed senior Biden White House official summarized the essence of the upcoming meeting in Peru, indicating the absence of a substantial list of deliverables but a focus on reviewing successful communications channels like law enforcement and military relations, which are "critical to underpinning stability in the relationship."
As the world watches this final high-level interaction between Biden and Xi, the outcomes of this meeting will likely influence not only the concluding perceptions of Biden’s foreign policy but also set the stage for the incoming administration. The leadership's dialogue in Peru is set to be reflective, with an emphasis on maintaining the critical channels established over the past four years to ensure continuity and stability in U.S.-China relations.
In conclusion, the Biden-Xi summit in Peru is not just a ceremonial farewell but a strategic encounter aimed at safeguarding ongoing diplomacy amidst transitions and global uncertainties. Both leaders seem poised to reflect on past achievements and challenges, laying a groundwork that might help mitigate potential conflicts in the future.