During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, President Xi Jinping of China expressed his readiness to cooperate with the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump. This meeting marked a pivotal moment as both leaders sought to ensure a smooth transition in U.S.-China relations.
Biden took the opportunity to urge Xi to influence North Korea’s stance on supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to manage global security issues.
Although Xi did not directly mention Trump, he subtly indicated concerns over the potential impact of Trump’s protectionist policies on the relationship between the two nations. Xi emphasized the need for continued communication, cooperation, and a steady approach to managing differences, signaling China’s desire for a stable relationship with the U.S. during a period of uncertainty.
Biden, reflecting on the past four years, acknowledged both the challenges and successes in U.S.-China relations. He highlighted that despite fluctuations, their personal efforts to maintain dialogue had led to overall stability.
Xi and Biden Discuss Stability, North Korea, and Trade Ahead of Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy Shift
This meeting, which took place with senior aides from both sides, was an important opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement in the face of future uncertainties.
The upcoming Trump administration’s trade policies, particularly the proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports, added an element of apprehension to the meeting.
Many U.S. companies, including brands like Nike and Steve Madden, were already planning to reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing in anticipation of potential trade disruptions. Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, noted that managing competition with China would be a major challenge for the next administration, signaling its importance on the foreign policy agenda.
As Biden concluded his long political career, this meeting with Xi held significant personal meaning. The two leaders had built a strong rapport over the years, with Biden recalling their many interactions during their time as vice presidents.
Their shared history of engaging on global issues underscored the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the U.S. and China, particularly as they faced an uncertain future in their bilateral relationship.
