Xi Jinping Promises Cooperation with Trump After Biden Meet

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, President Xi highlighted the need for stable China-U.S. relations, marking a critical juncture in international diplomacy amid changing U.S. leadership.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, in what is set to be his last engagement with President Joe Biden, has expressed his commitment to working closely with incoming President Donald Trump. Meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Peru, President Xi also emphasized China's aspirations for its relations with the United States, thereby underlining significant diplomatic priorities.

In a detailed briefing post-meeting, Beijing relayed President Xi's firm position that a new Cold War is not a viable option. He asserted that the strategy of containing China is both "unwise" and "doomed to fail," reiterating that a balanced relationship is essential not just for both nations but for global stability as well.

Reflecting on the complexities of China-U.S. relations, President Xi noted the necessity of avoiding a mindset where the two countries view each other as adversaries. He cautioned that adversarial interactions could lead to significant setbacks in bilateral ties. "Our objective remains to achieve a stable relationship with the United States," he articulated, reinforcing his willingness to engage with the upcoming Trump administration to enhance communication and cooperation.

Conversely, Biden stressed the importance of managing strategic competition without allowing it to escalate into conflict. He reflected on the complicated dynamics of their relationship over the past four years, emphasizing the need to find common ground while managing deep-rooted disparities.

Amidst this backdrop, analysts warn of a potential escalation in tensions as Trump assumes office, given his administration's tough stance on China, including promises of hefty tariffs. Trump’s previous term was marked by a downturn in relations, particularly following critical remarks about Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tensions lingered during Biden's presidency, with incidents ranging from military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait to disputes over trade that often echoed Trump-era policies.

Despite the potential for a tumultuous relationship under Trump's administration, experts believe there is hope for dialogue. Commentators like Bonnie Glaser suggest Beijing might seek swift engagement opportunities with the new U.S. leadership while remaining vigilant about the implications of Trump's unpredictability.

Throughout his presidency, Biden has acknowledged the recurrent disagreements with Xi, yet maintained a level of candid communication aimed at navigating the complex diplomatic landscape. The duo previously met multiple times, including a landmark summit in San Francisco, where they addressed pressing concerns like drug trafficking and climate change collaboration.

As the political landscape shifts with Trump’s imminent return, both nations will require a delicate balance to manage forthcoming challenges, including trade disputes and military interests in the region, particularly regarding Taiwan, a matter that China considers non-negotiable.