Xi Pledges Cooperation with Trump in Concluding Meeting with Biden

Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to collaborating with President-elect Donald Trump during his concluding discussion with the current US President Joe Biden. President Xi additionally utilized this occasion to articulate China’s aims, seemingly directing this message toward Donald Trump and the forthcoming administration in Washington. According to a comprehensive summary of the meeting released subsequently by Beijing, President Xi emphasized that “a new Cold War should not be fought and cannot be won. Containing China is unwise, unacceptable and bound to fail.” Furthermore, Mr. Xi stated that a steady relationship between China and the United States held “critical” importance for both nations and the global community. The two leaders convened on Saturday during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Peru, where they recognized periods of “ups and downs” in their bilateral relations throughout President Biden’s four-year tenure. During Saturday’s discussion, which occurred at President Xi’s hotel in Lima, the Chinese leader cautioned that if the US and China “treat each other as opponents or enemies, engage in vicious competition and mutual harm, China-US relations will suffer setbacks or even regressions.” He further stated that Beijing’s objective of a stable relationship with Washington would persist and that he intended to collaborate with the incoming US administration “to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences.” President Biden, for his part, asserted that strategic competition between the two global powers ought not to escalate into armed conflict. He remarked, “Our two countries cannot let any of this competition veer into conflict. That is our responsibility and over the last four years I think we’ve proven it’s possible to have this relationship.” Both leaders emphasized advancements in de-escalating tensions concerning matters like trade and Taiwan. Analysts suggest that US-China relations could experience increased volatility when Mr. Trump assumes office again in two months, influenced by factors such as his commitment to imposing higher tariffs on Chinese imports. The president-elect has committed to implementing 60% tariffs on all goods imported from China. Additionally, he has designated notable China hawks to senior foreign and defense roles. During his initial term, Mr. Trump characterized Beijing as a “strategic competitor.” Relations deteriorated further when he referred to Covid as a “Chinese virus” during the pandemic. President Biden’s period in office also witnessed escalations in relations with China, including an incident involving a spy balloon and demonstrations of Chinese military strength around Taiwan, prompted by a visit from a senior US official. China asserts that its claim over the self-governing island constitutes a red line. Nevertheless, the Biden administration sought to “responsibly manage” its rivalry with Beijing following the conclusion of Mr. Trump’s first term. According to analysts, Beijing’s primary concern is likely the president-elect’s unpredictability. Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific Program, commented, “The Chinese are ready to negotiate and deal, and probably hope for early engagement with the Trump team to discuss potential transactions.” She further noted, “At the same time, however, they are ready to retaliate if Trump insists on imposing higher tariffs on China.” Ms. Glaser also mentioned that China might be “likely worried that they lack reliable back channels to influence Trump’s policy.” On Saturday, President Biden acknowledged the persistent disagreements with President Xi but added that their discussions had been “frank” and “candid.” The two leaders conducted three in-person meetings during Mr. Biden’s presidency, including a significant summit last year in San Francisco where they reached accords on addressing narcotics and climate change. However, the Biden administration also maintained tariffs initiated during the Trump era. His government implemented new duties in May, specifically targeting China’s electric cars, solar panels, and steels. He further reinforced defense alliances throughout Asia and the Pacific to counteract China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The departing president has also affirmed that the US would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.