The upcoming summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden is drawing global attention as both leaders aim to navigate the complex landscape of US-China relations. As the world prepares for APEC, this meeting could set the tone for future interactions.
China has been actively working to stabilize and improve its relationship with the United States through a comprehensive government effort. President Xi has emphasized people-to-people friendships by meeting influential figures like Bill Gates and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Additionally, he has reached out to various American groups, including Flying Tigers Veterans and the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association, highlighting the formation of 284 sister province/state and sister city pairs since 1979.
High-level discussions have been frequent, covering a range of topics from foreign affairs and climate cooperation to the rights of people with disabilities, nuclear nonproliferation, maritime issues, and economic concerns. Notably, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Premier He Lifeng have visited Washington, while U.S. cabinet members such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Climate Envoy John Kerry, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have engaged with their Chinese counterparts.
At the summit, President Xi is likely aiming to reduce tensions to support China's economic recovery, attract American investment, ease U.S. sanctions on high-tech sectors, and ensure the U.S. adheres to the one-China principle. On the other hand, President Biden seeks China's cooperation on climate initiatives, the re-establishment of military communication channels, the limitation of fentanyl precursors, reducing risks in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, and urging China to assist in resolving conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and advising Iran on its proxy activities in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Observers are anticipating the formation of formal high-level working groups focused on climate change, military-to-military contacts, fentanyl interdiction, and establishing safeguards for artificial intelligence. Reflecting on past APEC meetings, President Xi has consistently advocated for regional cooperation, economic globalization, innovation, and green development, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers and fostering integration.
Despite the evolving global landscape and differing national interests, collaboration between the U.S. and China remains crucial for the global economy's recovery and prosperity. Both leaders are also contending with domestic challenges: President Xi faces economic issues in China, while President Biden is gearing up for the 2024 presidential election.
Industry expert Robert Lawrence Kuhn offers three prescriptions for improving U.S.-China relations: avoiding actions that escalate tensions, identifying and pursuing small positive collaborative efforts, and allowing time to naturally resolve ongoing issues. As the summit approaches, the world watches closely to see if these strategies will foster a more cooperative and stable international environment.
Reference(s):
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