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

The purpose of the Biden-Xi meeting is to stabilize U.S.-China relations, which have been tumultuous recently. Both leaders aim to address various challenges, including trade issues, China’s relationship with Iran, and concerns about human rights.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Filoli Estate, a country house and museum approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco, during an annual summit of Asian-Pacific leaders.

Key issues on the agenda include trade, China’s influence over Iran and its role in the Israel-Hamas conflict, human rights concerns, export controls, Taiwan, and economic competition.

President Biden is expected to urge China to use its influence over Iran to prevent actions that could escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The U.S. aims to manage economic competition with China while maintaining open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings and direct conflicts. President Biden is expected to defend U.S. expansion of export controls on semiconductor chips but assures that the U.S. is not seeking an economic war with China.

President Xi seeks assurances from President Biden that the U.S. will not support Taiwan independence, initiate a new cold war, or hinder China’s economic growth. Additionally, he wants to show that China remains an attractive place for investment.

There is hope for concrete agreements on re-establishing military-to-military communications and efforts to curb illicit fentanyl production, which has been linked to China.

The U.S. believes its economy is in a stronger position than China’s, as evidenced by lower inflation rates and continued job growth. China has faced challenges such as falling prices and economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.

American business executives have concerns about tensions over technology, trade, and uncertainty regarding Chinese policies, which have affected the business environment and investments in China.

Xi Jinping aims to reassure American CEOs that China remains an attractive destination for investment, despite the tensions between the two countries.

American lawmakers have urged President Xi to take action to stop the flow of chemicals used to produce fentanyl as a means to improve China’s reputation in the United States.

Sagar Meghani, a journalist from Big Big News in Washington, contributed to this report.