Xi Jinping promises Biden to work with Trump administration
Photo: Joe Biden and Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during a meeting with current US President Joe Biden, whose term ends in January, assured his readiness to work with the administration of newly elected US President Donald Trump, according to Reuters.
The two leaders met in Lima, Peru, at the hotel where the Chinese leader was staying. Biden and Xi Jinping attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The last time they held talks was seven months ago.
According to Western media reports, Xi Jinping told Biden he would work with Trump's team on key conflicts from cybercrime to trade, Taiwan, and Russia.
"China's goal of a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged," the Chinese leader said.
He also acknowledged the "ups and downs" in relations between China and the US.
"China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences," Xi Jinping stated.
Biden, for his part, said that while the two leaders did not always agree, their discussions had been frank.
Trump could intensify economic pressure on China
After winning the November election, Donald Trump, a Republican Party representative, will assume the US presidency in January 2025.
He had previously promised to impose a blanket 60% tariff on Chinese imports to the US as part of his "America First" trade policy. Beijing opposes these measures.
Trump also plans to appoint several Chinese critics to key administration positions, including Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Congressman Mike Waltz as national security advisor.
US-China relations
Western analysts believe that Biden sought to ease tensions in US-China relations. Still, Washington was outraged by the recent hacking of phones belonging to US government officials and Biden’s presidential campaign, which is believed to be linked to China.
Additionally, US authorities are concerned about China's support for Russia, which is waging war against Ukraine, as well as the issue of increasing pressure from Beijing on Taiwan.
Topics to be discussed at the Biden-Xi meeting
During the meeting, Biden intends to discuss North Korea's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war on the Kremlin's side and the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang with the Chinese leader.
At the same time, Beijing's economy is taking a significant hit from US government trade measures, including a plan to limit US investments in Chinese artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors and export restrictions on high-end computer chips.
US officials told reporters that all these topics are expected to feature in the negotiations between Biden and Xi Jinping.
Additionally, the White House recently revealed that during his meeting with Xi Jinping, Biden will address a range of issues, including Beijing's support for Moscow in the war against Ukraine and North Korea's military presence in the aggressor state.
