In a significant diplomatic development, President Joe Biden is expected to engage in "constructive" talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in San Francisco. The announcement from the White House follows a rare visit by China's foreign minister to Washington, indicating efforts to pave the way for the anticipated meeting.
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed the plans, stating, "We're aiming to have a constructive conversation, meeting between the leaders in San Francisco in November." However, China has yet to officially confirm Xi Jinping's attendance at the summit.
The prospective meeting marks the first contact between Biden and Xi since their encounter in Bali in November 2022. The relationship between the United States and China has been characterized by tension for years, reflecting their competition for influence in the Asia-Pacific region and efforts by Beijing to enhance cooperation with Russia, challenging U.S. dominance on the global stage.
Following the meeting between Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi and senior U.S. officials, the White House expressed that both sides were actively working towards the upcoming talks. Despite the positive signs, Wang acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing that the path to the San Francisco summit was "not smooth" and required careful navigation.
The talks between Biden and Xi Jinping hold immense significance, offering an opportunity for the leaders of the world's top two economies to address longstanding issues and work towards stabilizing and improving bilateral relations.
As the international community eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions, hopes are high for constructive dialogue that can contribute to easing tensions and fostering collaboration on critical global challenges. The world will be watching closely as the leaders come together, navigating the complexities of their relationship in pursuit of mutual understanding and cooperation.