Biden, Xi to meet on Saturday in Peru, US officials say

U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for what is likely to be the final time on Saturday, according to senior administration officials. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru, and will cover a range of global issues, including the escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

This meeting marks the first known interaction between the two leaders since their phone call in April. Despite the challenges they face, officials emphasize the importance of frank and honest conversations in managing the relationship between the United States and China.

Biden and Xi have been working to address various issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, North Korea, and Russia. One of the key areas of concern is the flow of ingredients for fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has become the leading cause of drug overdoses in the United States. While there has been some cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts, there has been little progress on larger issues such as the potential conflict over Taiwan.

In an effort to address national security concerns, the Biden administration recently finalized rules restricting U.S. investment in key technology sectors in China, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors. These rules are set to take effect in January and have been met with opposition from China, which views them as counterproductive. Additionally, Biden has increased tariffs on goods from China, a move that has been met with resistance from Beijing.

Former President Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on China, has promised to implement even higher tariffs on Chinese imports as part of his “America First” trade agenda. These measures have been strongly opposed by Beijing. In anticipation of Biden’s presidency, there have been concerns raised about his personnel choices, with some pointing to the appointment of individuals with a more hawkish approach towards China.

Despite the challenges and differences in approach, Xi reportedly reached out to Trump to congratulate him on his election victory. As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the future of U.S.-China relations remains uncertain. The upcoming meeting between Biden and Xi will provide an opportunity to address key issues and potentially pave the way for future cooperation.