Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on his first visit to the United States in six years on Tuesday, coinciding with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s indirect criticism of Beijing, emphasising the importance of freedoms and the rule of law.
Xi Jinping’s visit, his first to the US since 2017, includes a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday morning, followed by participation in the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Xi Jinping’s meeting with Joe Biden
The upcoming summit with Biden marks the initial in-person encounter between the leaders of the US and China in a year. US officials view this meeting as a chance to alleviate tensions in what is widely regarded as the world’s most perilous rivalry.
What will be on agenda?
Biden expressed his objective in discussions with Xi as the improvement of the US-China relationship following a period of strained ties. He aims to restore normal communications, including military-to-military contacts, between the two superpowers.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby informed reporters that the talks between Biden and Xi would encompass the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, US efforts to support Ukraine against Russian invaders, and high-priority economic issues. Highlighting economic concerns, Biden clarified that the US does not seek to decouple from China but rather intends to enhance the economic relationship for the better.
His administration has actively worked to “de-risk” certain crucial US supply chains from China amid the escalating economic and military rivalry between the two nations. However, it has taken care to reassure countries in the region, including China, that the US is not aiming for complete economic separation. This stance addresses concerns among Washington’s partners and allies, alleviating fears of a superpower showdown that could disrupt the global economy.