Biden-Xi Encounter Paves Way for Improved Relations, Despite Persisting Tensions

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The recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, while not resolving significant geopolitical conflicts, has seemingly stabilized the deteriorating ties between the two dominant global powers. This is particularly significant in light of their competition for influence, especially in developing countries.

Despite unresolved issues ranging from trade disputes to the U.S.’s support for Taiwan and concerns over human rights in areas such as Tibet, Sichuan, and Hong Kong, the gathering marked a notable step towards mending relations. The leaders’ four-hour interaction in a country estate in northern California, which included a luncheon and a garden walk, symbolized their commitment to coexistence despite their competitive stance.

Xi Jinping’s remark to Biden, “Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed,” encapsulates the meeting’s underlying message of possible co-prosperity.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed this development, emphasizing the U.S.’s stance on peaceful resolution of issues concerning Taiwan. Jeff Liu, the spokesperson, expressed appreciation for Biden’s reaffirmation of this stance during his talks with Xi.

In South Korea, the summit elicited mixed reactions, reflecting concerns about the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry and its impact on Seoul’s relationship with its key ally, the U.S., and its largest trading partner, China. The growing nuclear threat from North Korea adds complexity to South Korea’s position, especially in light of China’s reluctance at the U.N. Security Council to impose stronger sanctions on Pyongyang.

The Biden administration’s restrictions on advanced chip technology sales to China have also affected South Korea’s technology sector, although recent U.S. policy adjustments have provided some relief.

South Korea’s Kookmin Ilbo newspaper highlighted that any significant improvement in U.S.-China relations could influence global supply chains and the strategic alignment involving North Korea, China, Russia, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

Japan, meanwhile, is focused on resolving issues with China, including the seafood ban linked to the Fukushima incident, and on fostering a stable Japan-China relationship, as stated by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Disputes over the East China Sea islands and the South China Sea, along with China’s economic slowdown post-pandemic restrictions, continue to shape these dynamics. Madoka Fukuda, a Tokyo-based expert, suggests China’s aim in these talks is to ease U.S. trade restrictions to revitalize its economy and assert its global power status.

Differences over issues such as the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait security, Beijing’s support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and alliances with countries like Iran, however, persist.

China’s Foreign Ministry objected to Biden’s labeling of Xi as a “dictator,” calling it a mischaracterization. Nonetheless, the renewal of military dialogues between the two nations is seen as a significant step towards preventing accidental conflicts.

In Beijing, there’s hope for reduced tensions with the U.S., impacting everything from education to employment opportunities for its citizens.

Despite low initial expectations, the leaders’ meeting could signify a tentative improvement in U.S.-China relations, though challenges remain, as noted by Dimitar Gueorguiev of Syracuse University.

Contributions to this report were made by Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Caroline Chen in Beijing for Big Big News.

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