As the U.S. braces for Donald Trump's renewed presidency, President Biden engaged in what could be his final diplomatic push with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This meeting in Lima, Peru, occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions and escalating military assertiveness from China.
Biden and Xi Meet Amid Rising Tensions: A Last Diplomatic Hurdle Before Trump's Return
Biden and Xi Meet Amid Rising Tensions: A Last Diplomatic Hurdle Before Trump's Return
A pivotal meeting between President Biden and China's Xi Jinping marks a crucial moment in U.S.-China relations as the political landscape shifts.
Biden's administration has sought to maintain a delicate balance with China, characterized by extensive shuttle diplomacy aimed at preventing a deterioration in relations. However, signs indicate that China may no longer be willing to exercise restraint regarding its growing alliance with Russia and aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
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On Saturday, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, President Biden and President Xi Jinping met in Lima, Peru, marking a significant diplomatic moment as Biden completes his term. With Trump poised to reclaim the presidency in January, Biden seized the opportunity to address a rivalry that has intensified over recent years.
Initiating their dialogue, Mr. Xi noted, “China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged,” emphasizing the need for ongoing cooperation. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two nations has soured, with U.S. officials alarmed by China's expanding ties with Russia, especially amid recent allegations of cyberattacks attributed to Chinese hackers targeting American telecommunications.
The backdrop also features growing military concerns, as China's recent maneuvers around Taiwan and assertiveness in the South China Sea have raised alarms in Washington. Amidst these developments, the Biden administration's approach has favored careful diplomacy to avert direct confrontation, a stark contrast to Trump's anticipated more confrontational stance. As Biden prepares to transition power, the outcomes of his discussions with Xi could shape the contours of a more aggressive phase in U.S.-China relations under Trump.
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On Saturday, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, President Biden and President Xi Jinping met in Lima, Peru, marking a significant diplomatic moment as Biden completes his term. With Trump poised to reclaim the presidency in January, Biden seized the opportunity to address a rivalry that has intensified over recent years.
Initiating their dialogue, Mr. Xi noted, “China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged,” emphasizing the need for ongoing cooperation. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two nations has soured, with U.S. officials alarmed by China's expanding ties with Russia, especially amid recent allegations of cyberattacks attributed to Chinese hackers targeting American telecommunications.
The backdrop also features growing military concerns, as China's recent maneuvers around Taiwan and assertiveness in the South China Sea have raised alarms in Washington. Amidst these developments, the Biden administration's approach has favored careful diplomacy to avert direct confrontation, a stark contrast to Trump's anticipated more confrontational stance. As Biden prepares to transition power, the outcomes of his discussions with Xi could shape the contours of a more aggressive phase in U.S.-China relations under Trump.
