Xi Jinping and Joe Biden are set to meet in San Francisco, marking the second time they will come face-to-face since Biden assumed the presidency in 2020. The meeting holds significant importance as tensions between the United States and China have escalated in recent years.
One of the key issues on the agenda will be Taiwan, with China considering the island as part of its territory and opposing Taiwanese independence. Biden is expected to reiterate the United States’ position that it does not support Taiwanese independence and work towards reestablishing military-to-military ties that were disrupted after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022.
Another pressing matter that will be discussed is Beijing’s role in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Biden is likely to urge Xi to use his influence with Iran to prevent further escalation of the conflict, as it could have serious implications for the stability of the West Asia region.
Furthermore, the two leaders are expected to announce a ban on the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous weaponry and nuclear warhead control, due to concerns over the unregulated use of this technology in fueling conflicts.
Additionally, Biden will push Xi on stemming the flow of fentanyl, which has become a leading cause of death among young Americans. A deal may be announced in which China would crack down on chemical companies involved in the production of fentanyl, while the Biden administration would lift restrictions on China’s forensic police institute.
The issue of fair trade and ‘decoupling’ will also be on the table, with efforts to prevent a complete separation of the US and Chinese economies, as it would be economically disastrous for both nations and the world.
While the meeting between Xi and Biden aims to stabilize the relationship between the two countries, experts caution against expecting major breakthroughs. Both leaders may be reluctant to appease or negotiate as they focus on their domestic audiences. Biden is facing an upcoming election, while Xi is dealing with challenges within his government and a struggling economy.
Nevertheless, the significance of the meeting lies in the fact that it is taking place, and it provides an opportunity for the two countries to make progress in areas where improvement has been seen. The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by geopolitical observers worldwide.
