Biden, Xi meeting is aimed at getting relationship back on better footing, but tough issues loom

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Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are set to meet at a high-profile gathering at a country estate on Wednesday, aiming to mend U.S.-China relations after recent tensions. However, Biden is poised to address challenging issues, including trade disputes, Beijing’s growing ties with Iran, and human rights concerns.

Their meeting, coinciding with an Asia-Pacific leaders’ summit, marks their first conversation in a year. During this period, U.S.-China relations have worsened due to several incidents, including the U.S. downing of a Chinese spy balloon and disagreements over Taiwan and cybersecurity breaches.

The discussions will occur at California’s Filoli Estate, roughly 25 miles south of San Francisco, as confirmed by anonymous senior administration officials. The venue choice, not yet officially announced, underscores the security and significance of this event.

Both leaders aim to demonstrate that, despite being economic rivals, their countries are not engaged in a zero-sum game with global stakes. Key areas of discord include export controls, Taiwan, and regional conflicts.

Ahead of the meeting, Biden plans to urge China to leverage its influence over Iran to deter Tehran or its allies from escalating the Israel-Hamas conflict. Recognizing China’s significant oil trade with Iran, the U.S. views China as a key player in influencing Iranian policies.

Biden described the meeting as an opportunity to normalize U.S.-China relations. White House National Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized Biden’s readiness to address contentious issues while also exploring areas of cooperation, such as climate change and clean energy technology.

The U.S. President intends to manage the intense economic rivalry and maintain open communication channels to prevent misunderstandings leading to direct conflict. He will defend U.S. semiconductor export controls while reassuring China that the U.S. does not seek an economic war, especially considering China’s ongoing economic recovery challenges from the pandemic.

Conversely, Xi seeks assurances against U.S. support for Taiwanese independence, a new cold war, or efforts to hinder China’s economic growth. He aims to reinforce China’s viability as an investment destination.

Preceding the meeting, the U.S. and China agreed to enhance renewable energy efforts, indicating a potential thaw in relations. Discussions are also anticipated on re-establishing military communications and addressing the fentanyl crisis, with China being a significant source of the drug’s precursor chemicals.

The APEC summit has already drawn significant protests, with more expected, demonstrating public interest and concern over various issues.

In preparation for the meeting, White House officials highlighted the U.S. economy’s robust position compared to China’s and the strengthening of U.S. alliances in the Pacific. Biden, speaking at a fundraiser, underlined the importance of this meeting in asserting U.S. global leadership.

Meanwhile, economic forecasts show a slowdown in China’s growth. Biden has expressed satisfaction with the U.S. economic performance, especially regarding inflation control and employment stability.

Post-meeting, Xi is scheduled to address U.S. business leaders, providing a rare opportunity for direct engagement with the Chinese President amidst concerns about China’s regulatory environment affecting foreign investment.

A senior Biden official noted Xi’s visit aims to reassure U.S. CEOs about investing in China. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently urged Xi to address the fentanyl issue to improve China’s image in the U.S.

This report includes contributions from Sagar Meghani in Washington.

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