Insights from Biden-Xi Summit: A Year in the Making

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The highly anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on Wednesday near San Francisco, coinciding with an Asian leaders’ summit. This encounter came roughly a year after their last meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

The presidents, accompanied by their senior advisors, engaged in a formal bilateral meeting, shared a meal, and took a walk in the scenic surroundings of the luxurious estate where the summit was held. Despite the casual setting, there was no confirmation about the potential return of Chinese pandas to the Washington zoo. However, President Biden characterized the discussions as “some of the most constructive and productive” they’ve had, signaling a potential strengthening of dialogue.

Key Outcomes from the Biden-Xi Meeting

Commitments on Major Issues

1. Fentanyl Production and Military Talks: Biden announced agreements on significant topics, including Xi’s pledge to help curb fentanyl production, a move anticipated to impact Latin American drug cartels. Additionally, the leaders agreed to resume military communications, with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expected to engage with his new Chinese counterpart. Biden emphasized the need for institutionalizing these communications as a mutual responsibility, not a favor.

2. Artificial Intelligence Discussions: The U.S. and China plan to convene experts to explore safety and risk concerns related to artificial intelligence.

This meeting aligns with the White House’s objective to demonstrate the efficacy of Biden’s personal diplomacy approach. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the importance of practical outcomes from such high-level meetings in defending American interests.

China Studies Expert’s Perspective

Zoe Liu from the Council for Foreign Relations noted that while these agreements don’t transform the fundamental challenges in U.S.-China relations, they pave the way for more detailed, working-level talks.

Biden’s Call for China to Play a Global Peacemaker Role

Biden urged Xi to leverage China’s influence in reducing global tensions, particularly in the Israel-Hamas conflict and by persuading Iran not to escalate the situation. He also pushed for China to maintain its stance of not militarily supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Discussion on Taiwan

The dialogue on Taiwan was described as “clear-headed” and “not heated.” Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s “One China” policy and the necessity for a peaceful resolution. He also reiterated the U.S. commitment to arming Taiwan as a defensive measure. Xi reportedly assured Biden of no invasion plans, while Biden expressed concerns about China’s military buildup near Taiwan and urged non-interference in Taiwan’s upcoming elections.

Economic Context

Xi’s visit comes amid economic challenges in China, marked by an aging population and lingering COVID-19 impacts. Xi appealed to Biden to ease sanctions and adjust policies on sensitive equipment export controls, citing these as impediments to China’s technological progress.

Personal Dynamics

The long-standing relationship between Biden and Xi was evident, with both leaders recalling past encounters. Despite the formal setting, they shared personal exchanges, including Biden’s birthday wishes for Xi’s wife.

In conclusion, the Biden-Xi summit marked a significant step in U.S.-China relations, with key agreements reached and a reaffirmation of the need for continued dialogue and cooperation.

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Report contributed by Didi Tang and Seung Min Kim from San Francisco.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biden-Xi Summit

More about Biden-Xi Summit

• Biden-Xi Summit Overview
• U.S.-China Fentanyl Agreement
• Military Communication Resumption
• Global Tensions and China’s Role
• Taiwan Discussion at Biden-Xi Meeting
• Economic Challenges in China
• Personal Dynamics between Biden and Xi