High-Stakes Diplomacy: Biden and Xi Face Off Amidst Rising Global Tensions
Image Source: BNN Breaking
President Joe Biden is set to engage in face-to-face talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, marking the first direct meeting between the leaders since November 2022. The meeting, occurring on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the San Francisco Bay area, is expected to delve into a spectrum of global issues, ranging from the Israel-Hamas conflict to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea’s ties with Russia, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, human rights, fentanyl, artificial intelligence, and “fair” trade and economic relations.
U.S. officials anticipate a comprehensive discussion, leaving no topic untouched. One senior Biden administration official emphasized, “Nothing will be held back; everything is on the table.” The meeting, sought by U.S. officials for almost a year, comes as they perceive Beijing’s active efforts to undermine U.S. policies globally.
Despite recognizing the ideological differences between the two nations, the Biden administration is clear-eyed about the enduring presence of China on the world stage. Efforts to shape or reform China over decades have been acknowledged as unsuccessful, but both countries are expected to remain major players in international affairs.
The meeting follows a diplomatic blitz orchestrated by Biden’s team to mend relations after an incident in which a suspected Chinese spy balloon transited U.S. skies, leading to its interception in February. The anticipated outcomes include promises of increased diplomacy on various fronts, such as climate, global health, economic stability, and potential resumption of some military-to-military channels after a freeze.
While gestures of goodwill may be exchanged, deep progress is expected to be challenging. Both nations view themselves as engaged in direct competition for military dominance, economic control, and global influence.
The meeting, carefully planned by both sides, faces potential disruptions in Northern California, known for its history of left-wing protests. Biden and Xi, despite knowing each other for over a decade, approach the talks with mutual suspicion and historical grievances, making progress on sensitive issues a formidable task.
Among the topics likely to be raised by Biden are Chinese “influence operations” in foreign elections and the status of U.S. citizens believed to be wrongly detained in China. Biden, seeking a second term amid domestic challenges, has rallied traditional allies globally to confront issues like Russia’s actions in Ukraine, despite differing views on conflicts like the Israel-Hamas situation.
In the backdrop of rising tensions, Washington is subtly rallying its long-standing alliances in Asia as a deterrent against potential conflicts with China.
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- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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