Now it is certain: US President Joe Biden and Chinese head of state Xi Jinping will meet next Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in California. The White House announced this on Friday.
The two have not met in person since last year’s G20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia. Relations between the world’s two largest economies have long been extremely tense.
Trade dispute, sanctions, spy balloon, Ukraine, Taiwan
A serious trade conflict, American sanctions against companies from China and a Chinese spy balloon above the US caused problems. China’s position in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has also come under criticism, because China appears neutral to the outside world, but at the same time it is considered Russia’s most important partner and thus provides support to Russia.
The Taiwan issue in particular has great potential for conflict. The island republic has had a democratic government for decades, but Beijing considers the country with more than 23 million inhabitants as part of its territory. There are concerns that China could invade Taiwan the way Russia invaded Ukraine. Biden has promised Taiwan assistance in such a case, while Beijing in turn bans any “interference” in domestic affairs.
The White House now said the two leaders wanted to discuss bilateral issues, the importance of open channels of communication and a number of regional and global issues.
Long diplomatic run-up – also in Vienna
The meeting had been in preparation for months. The announcement was preceded by numerous meetings between senior government members from both sides. Biden sent Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to China, among others. Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese chief diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna and Malta. Wang Yi finally traveled to Washington in late October.
Don’t have too many expectations
Senior US government officials tempered expectations in advance. “A list of results” is not to be expected. “This is really about controlling competition, reducing the risk of conflict and ensuring that channels of communication are open.” The goal is to stabilize relationships.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
