In brief
In a significant meeting in Lima, Peru, President Joe Biden engaged with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. This dialogue could prove to be Biden's final substantial interaction with Xi as the impending administration of Donald J. Trump is poised to adopt a more confrontational stance towards China starting in January. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to a stable U.S.-China relationship, despite the tension that has marked the relationship and Biden's attempts to prioritize diplomacy over direct confrontation during his presidency.
Recent developments have heightened tensions between the two nations, with alarming reports of China’s deepening ties with Russia and cyber breaches into U.S. telecommunications by alleged Chinese hackers. Furthermore, U.S. officials have expressed growing worry regarding China's military maneuvers near Taiwan and in the South China Sea, emphasizing the discord as both nations brace for a potentially tumultuous future under Trump's leadership. As concerns mount over China's assertiveness, the Biden administration's strategies, particularly its shuttle diplomacy, face questions over their effectiveness as Trump prepares to bring a different approach to U.S.-China relations.
