U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a crucial meeting on Saturday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. This comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, raising questions about the future of U.S.-China relations and global diplomacy.
Both leaders have acknowledged the challenges ahead. The White House described the meeting as critical for managing the “delicate period of transition” while ensuring competition between the two powers does not escalate into conflict.
The meeting marks their third face-to-face encounter and follows efforts initiated a year ago in California to stabilize strained ties between Washington and Beijing. However, Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris has created uncertainty, threatening to undo progress in easing tensions.
Xi has expressed concern about rising “unilateralism and protectionism,” while Biden noted the world is experiencing “significant political change.” Trump’s policies, including potential tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports, loom large, potentially destabilizing trade and global economic stability. Additionally, Trump’s return may strain U.S. alliances that Biden has worked to strengthen.
The leaders will also discuss pressing security concerns. Biden is expected to address North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia, while Xi will likely focus on Taiwan and the South China Sea, where territorial disputes have escalated tensions. Both countries aim to keep military communication channels open to prevent misunderstandings.
As Biden nears the end of his presidency, this summit is seen as a final effort to reinforce his foreign policy achievements. However, Trump’s “America First” agenda poses challenges, with implications for issues such as climate change, trade, and defense commitments. Economists warn that Trump’s proposed tariffs could harm global economies and disrupt geopolitical stability.
The APEC summit concludes on Saturday, but the impact of Trump’s return will likely dominate discussions at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next week, where Biden will continue his efforts to solidify international partnerships.
