Biden and Xi Hold Face-to-Face Talks to Address Tense Year and Achieve Progress on Key Issues
After a year of strained relations, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping finally sat down for face-to-face talks at the historic Filoli estate in San Francisco. This meeting took place within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and marked their first in-person discussion since the G-20 summit in Bali last November. Xi’s visit to the United States also marked his first in six years.
The primary objective for Biden’s administration was to restore communication channels with China’s military which had been severed in August 2022 following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan. The tense relationship was further exacerbated when a U.S. aircraft shot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina in February. Biden emphasized that the aim was not to decouple from China, but rather to change the relationship for the better.
To achieve this goal, both leaders focused on smaller wins that wouldn’t incur heavy domestic backlash. China, for instance, conceded to U.S. demands to prohibit the export of fentanyl, a highly addictive opioid responsible for the United States’ ongoing opioid crisis. This agreement marked a significant achievement for Biden, who made addressing the crisis a key promise during his campaign.
Additionally, on the issue of climate change, both countries agreed to increase the use of renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This development is particularly crucial ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate change conference in Dubai later this month. Previously, China’s reduction targets only considered carbon dioxide emissions, but the new agreement requires both nations to account for all greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide.
The leaders also discussed the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential influence on nuclear command and control. A forum is being established to address the concerns surrounding AI programs. However, China maintained caution in committing to increased collaboration efforts, especially as the United States continues to restrict Beijing’s access to semiconductor chips required for AI development.
Nevertheless, there were areas of disagreement. Xi remained firmly against U.S. efforts to defend Taiwan, especially as tensions escalate in the region ahead of Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election. Biden urged Xi not to interfere in the election, but the Chinese president disregarded these calls. Furthermore, human rights abuses against China’s Uyghur and Tibetan populations were not addressed, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two nations.
In other global news, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a raid at Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, targeting Hamas militants whom they accused of operating a command center under the medical complex. While Israel claimed to have found weapons during the operation, Hamas has denied these allegations and criticized the Israeli forces for restricting access to life-saving supplies in the hospital.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled against the government’s plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda as it was deemed an unsafe third country for refugees. This decision poses a significant setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration policies, and he has suggested revisiting international relationships and domestic laws in response.
Lastly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni inaugurated a J.R.R. Tolkien exhibit at Rome’s National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. Although Meloni has previously expressed her interest in Tolkien’s works, her attendance at the exhibition is seen as an opportunity for her far-right party to shape Italy’s cultural landscape. The exhibition, funded by Italy’s Culture Ministry, showcases manuscripts, letters, and artwork inspired by Tolkien’s universe.
As the world navigates these complex issues, the face-to-face talks between Biden and Xi offer hope for improved communication and collaboration, even as challenges persist.
