U.S. President Biden and China’s Xi Jinping Meet in Lima to Strengthen Diplomatic Ties and Address Pressing Issues Like Taiwan and Global Security

President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a significant discussion, marking another in a series of conversations between the two leaders.

During the meeting, Biden made an unexpected slip by referring to the U.S.-China relationship as an “alliance,” which he quickly corrected, acknowledging the tense dynamics between the two nations.

Biden’s comment came in the midst of their dialogue on global relations, and he was swift to clarify that while the relationship is crucial, it’s also one of competition rather than an alliance.

The Meeting’s Context and Biden’s Stance

The meeting, which took place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Lima, Peru, lasted just under two hours.

Biden emphasized that the two nations must avoid letting competition evolve into conflict, highlighting his ongoing commitment to diplomatic efforts to maintain peace.

He reiterated the importance of the U.S.-China relationship, stressing its impact on the global stage.

Xi Jinping took the opportunity to address the U.S. elections, marking the beginning of their conversation.

Without directly referencing President-elect Donald Trump, Xi expressed China’s desire for a stable and constructive relationship with the U.S. under the incoming administration.

He stressed China’s readiness to work with the new U.S. leadership to manage differences and ensure a smooth transition in bilateral relations.

The Venue and Diplomatic Nuances

The meeting occurred at the Delfines Hotel & Convention Center, strategically located next to the Chinese embassy in Lima’s exclusive San Isidro neighborhood.

While the U.S. delegation and press were instructed to turn off their phones for security reasons, the venue choice reflected the rotation in hosting duties between the two leaders.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan humorously explained this diplomatic tradition, noting that Biden’s previous meeting with Xi in Woodside, California, had followed the same rotation protocol.

Taiwan’s Role in the Conversation

The topic of Taiwan, a constant point of contention between the U.S. and China, emerged during the discussions.

Biden and Xi touched on the delicate issue of Taiwan’s sovereignty, with the U.S. reaffirming its commitment to the One China policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China but maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan.

Biden’s comments reflected the U.S.’s ongoing support for Taiwan’s defense, a point that has drawn criticism from China. Beijing views any support for Taiwan as a challenge to its territorial integrity.

At the APEC summit, a brief interaction between Biden and Taiwanese officials, including former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i, garnered attention.

The Taiwanese delegation released a photo of their handshake, which they described as a warm exchange.

However, U.S. officials downplayed the significance of the encounter, dismissing it as a routine greeting.

Nuclear Control and Future Relations

One area where the meeting showed progress was on nuclear control.

Both leaders expressed the need for human oversight over nuclear weapon decisions, an issue that has been complicated by advances in artificial intelligence.

This agreement signaled a shared interest in preventing catastrophic scenarios, although broader tensions remained in other areas of their relationship.

The discussion also touched on the shifting political landscape in the U.S., with Biden’s administration working to navigate the potential consequences of a Trump-led administration.

Sullivan clarified that while the White House was laying the groundwork for future engagement, it was up to the incoming administration to determine the course of action.

Global Implications and the Taiwan Strait

In the midst of this diplomatic engagement, Biden’s stance on Taiwan remained firm.

The President made it clear that any attempt to take Taiwan by force would destabilize the entire region, drawing comparisons to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This warning was issued alongside a reaffirmation of the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait.

While Biden expressed hope that such an event would not occur, his comments provoked a strong response from China, which reiterated its position on Taiwan’s status and criticized the U.S. for its interference.

Looking Ahead

As tensions continue to simmer over issues like Taiwan and trade, the relationship between the U.S. and China remains complex.

While diplomatic talks like the one held in Lima are crucial for maintaining stability, the underlying challenges between the two powers are far from resolved.

The world will be watching closely to see how these discussions shape future U.S.-China relations, especially as both countries navigate shifting global dynamics.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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