In what may be their final meeting as global counterparts, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining stable China-U.S. relations, calling it critical to “the future and destiny of humanity.”
Without directly naming U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Xi expressed concerns over the potential for strained relations under Trump’s “America First” policies and protectionist trade rhetoric. Xi reiterated China’s willingness to collaborate with the incoming U.S. administration to foster cooperation and manage differences.
Biden reflected on his decades-long relationship with Xi, highlighting candid dialogues that have helped avoid conflict between the two nations. The leaders discussed a broad range of issues, including China’s indirect support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, Taiwan, human rights, and North Korea’s provocative actions.
Tensions between the two nations remain high. Recent revelations of Chinese cyberespionage targeting U.S. telecommunications and increased sales of technology to Russia have raised alarms in Washington. Additionally, the Biden administration continues to pressure Beijing to curb North Korea’s escalating aggression, including its arms support to Russia and intensified missile testing.
Xi warned against policies that could lead to economic decoupling or supply chain disruptions, advocating for “mutual, beneficial cooperation” over restrictive trade measures. The transition to the Trump administration looms as a potential turning point in the trajectory of China-U.S. relations.
