U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on 16 November on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. The meeting, confirmed by the White House, will mark the leaders’ fourth in-person engagement since Biden assumed office, following their prior discussions at the APEC summit in California and the G20 in Bali.
The talks are anticipated to cover an array of pressing issues, notably China’s possible support of North Korea’s alleged involvement in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. White House officials have stated that Biden will press Xi on the recent reports suggesting that North Korea is considering deploying troops to assist Russian forces. Biden’s administration has made clear its “deep concern” over any potential complicity by China in facilitating this support, which would significantly alter the current dynamics of the Ukraine conflict.
Key Areas of Discussion
In addition to the Ukraine issue, Biden and Xi are expected to revisit cooperative areas, focusing on restoring military-to-military communications, addressing the global fentanyl crisis, and exploring potential AI safety measures. Both leaders have underscored the urgency of these matters in previous meetings, and the White House views this summit as a crucial moment for advancing solutions. These topics reflect common ground where both nations have recognised a mutual interest in mitigating global risks and improving stability.
On the Ukraine matter, Biden intends to convey U.S. concerns regarding China’s tacit endorsement of Russia’s actions and the prospect of North Korean military intervention. Washington considers this potential collaboration as a severe escalation, with Biden’s team reportedly prepared to signal that North Korean support could lead to intensified responses from NATO and its allies.
Tensions Over Trade and Cybersecurity
Aside from security concerns, Biden is also set to address economic tensions, particularly the “unfair trade practices” and “non-market economic behaviours” that the U.S. argues have disadvantaged American businesses and workers. These longstanding complaints include state subsidies for Chinese firms and restrictive trade practices that U.S. officials claim undermine competition. The issue of economic fairness has become a recurring topic in U.S.-China relations, and Biden’s administration has repeatedly called for reforms that level the playing field.
Another anticipated topic of concern is Chinese cyber activity targeting U.S. infrastructure. Biden intends to raise this issue with Xi as part of a broader security agenda. Over recent years, multiple cyber incidents have been attributed to Chinese state-backed actors, prompting calls in Washington for accountability and prevention measures. Biden’s team views these cyber activities as a major threat to U.S. infrastructure and an ongoing source of tension with Beijing.
Military Activity in Taiwan and the South China Sea
Taiwan and the South China Sea remain flashpoints in U.S.-China relations, and Biden’s team is expected to address China’s increased military manoeuvres in these regions. U.S. officials argue that Beijing’s actions undermine regional stability and violate international norms, while China maintains that its activities fall within its sovereign rights.
Biden’s team has stated that the President plans to “reiterate the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea” during his discussion with Xi, indicating that these areas will remain priority issues for U.S. foreign policy regardless of the incoming administration.
Transition to the Trump Administration
This meeting is expected to be the last between Biden and Xi before Donald Trump assumes office in January. The Trump administration is likely to take a more confrontational stance on China, especially with President-elect Trump’s recent appointments of prominent China critics to key foreign policy roles.
Congressman Mike Waltz has been nominated for the role of national security adviser, while Senator Marco Rubio has been selected for secretary of state. Both figures have a history of advocating for a firm approach to China, and their appointments signal a potential shift toward a more hardline policy in managing U.S.-China relations.
This anticipated policy shift includes a focus on U.S.-China trade, with reports indicating that Trump may introduce tariffs on a broader range of Chinese goods. Such measures would represent a return to Trump’s earlier approach to economic relations with Beijing, which involved implementing a series of tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances. Xi is expected to use the APEC meeting to gauge U.S. intentions and prepare for potential disruptions in the global trade landscape under the incoming administration.
Challenges for the Future
As Biden prepares to pass the baton to Trump, his administration is intent on establishing diplomatic groundwork that may help to stabilise relations through this period of transition. In discussions with reporters, a White House official described U.S.-China relations as “a tough, complicated relationship” that will require “careful management” under the next administration. The official highlighted four areas of “deep policy divergence”: Russia, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cybersecurity. These issues, the White House acknowledges, are unlikely to be resolved in the immediate future and will likely demand a continued focus under Trump’s leadership.
As Xi considers the potential economic impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs and Biden addresses the North Korea issue, both leaders approach this APEC summit with distinct agendas and anticipated challenges. Despite the lack of expectations for a significant breakthrough, the summit presents an opportunity to maintain open channels of communication, which both sides recognise as essential in mitigating misunderstandings and promoting a stable relationship.
