Biden Xi meeting has repercussions at home ahead of election: ‘The US has enough on its plate’
President Biden’s High-Stakes Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
When it comes to politics, President Joe Biden doesn’t shy away from taking action, even when it involves international relations. His upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is highly anticipated and carries significant political implications for Biden.
The meeting, which focuses on foreign policy, holds the potential to avert a crisis with China before next year’s elections, according to China expert Ian Johnson. With ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, the United States cannot afford to add a crisis with China to its plate during an election year.
Johnson predicts that Biden will make a politically strategic announcement regarding fentanyl, a drug plaguing the heartland of America. This move would be advantageous for Biden, as it addresses a pressing issue and garners support from affected communities.
Importance of the Meeting
Aside from the political implications, the meeting holds significance due to Xi’s unprecedented third term as president. Many of his contemporaries have been sidelined or retired, leading to political instability in China. It is crucial for the United States to establish direct communication with China’s leadership during this period of turmoil.
Furthermore, Xi is the first Chinese leader to assert China’s great power status and advocate for an alternative world order. This assertiveness poses challenges for the United States and necessitates a meeting between the two leaders.
Differing Perspectives
However, not everyone believes that Biden has something to gain from this meeting. Former Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell argues that the United States should not prioritize its relationship with China, especially considering the ongoing human rights abuses and genocide committed by the Chinese government.
Stilwell also dismisses the importance of military-to-military communication, highlighting the continuous destruction of progress in U.S.-China relations. He believes that China consistently undermines efforts to build a stable relationship.
Biden’s Approach
Despite differing opinions, Biden is expected to address tough issues during the meeting. Matthew Goodman, director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies, emphasizes the importance of avoiding miscalculations that could lead to conflict. Biden aims to maintain open lines of communication and manage the competition between the United States and China responsibly.
The White House has attempted to manage expectations for the meeting, acknowledging the challenges of shaping or reforming China. However, they recognize China’s significance on the world stage and the need for high-level communication.
In addition to discussing open lines of communication, Biden and Xi are likely to address various topics, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s conflict with Hamas, arms control, trade, debt, climate, and human rights.
Furthermore, Biden may announce a new pan-Asian trade deal, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. This move coincides with efforts to fund the government and China’s slowing economic growth.
While some advise caution in dealing with China’s economy, Biden is encouraged to protect critical industries and capabilities and prevent direct investment from China.
What concrete steps will President Biden seek from President Xi to address cybersecurity concerns?
Itates a dialogue between the two nations to address growing tensions and prevent any potential conflicts.
Several key issues are expected to be discussed during the meeting, including trade relations, human rights, cybersecurity, and territorial disputes. The Biden administration has been critical of China’s trade practices and human rights abuses, particularly in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. It is likely that President Biden will reiterate his concerns and press for more transparency and accountability from the Chinese government on these matters.
Cybersecurity is another pressing issue that needs to be addressed. The United States has repeatedly accused China of state-sponsored cyber attacks and intellectual property theft. President Biden will likely seek assurances from President Xi that China will take concrete steps to address these concerns and work towards a more secure cyberspace environment.
Moreover, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Taiwan remain contentious issues between the two countries. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s democracy and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. The meeting with President Xi presents an opportunity for both leaders to discuss these regional challenges and seek a peaceful resolution.
The outcome of this high-stakes meeting will have far-reaching implications for not only the United States and China but also the global community. Both countries are major players in the global economy, and their relationship has a significant impact on trade, security, and international cooperation.
Success in this meeting would require President Biden to strike a balance between holding China accountable for its actions while also finding areas of mutual interest and cooperation. It is crucial for both leaders to build trust and establish open lines of communication to address their differences and work towards a more stable and constructive relationship.
Conclusion
President Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping carries immense political significance and has the potential to shape the future of U.S.-China relations. The meeting presents an opportunity to address pressing issues such as trade, human rights, cybersecurity, and territorial disputes. Success in this meeting would require diplomatic finesse and a commitment to finding common ground, despite the challenges and differences between the two nations. The outcome of this meeting will not only impact the bilateral relationship but also have broader implications for global stability and cooperation.
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