Chinese President Xi Jinping used the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, to emphasize China’s commitment to a stable relationship with the United States, as the country transitions to a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
During his final meeting with outgoing President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit, Xi stressed the importance of “mutual respect” in U.S.-China relations. While Xi did not mention Trump directly, his remarks appeared aimed at the incoming administration. “The United States has recently concluded its elections. China’s goal of a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged,” Xi said.
However, he also issued a warning: “If we take each other as rival or adversary, pursue vicious competition, and seek to hurt each other, we would roil the relationship or even set it back.”
Trump’s Return and Xi’s Olive Branch
Xi’s comments came amid Trump’s preparations to return to the White House following his November 5 victory. Trump’s previous presidency from 2017 to 2021 was marked by escalating tensions with China, including a trade war triggered by tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with its own economic measures, leading to strained relations that experts say hurt both economies.
Despite this history, Xi appeared to extend a gesture of goodwill to Trump, saying, “China is ready to work with the new U.S. administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of the two peoples.”
Rocky U.S.-China Relations Under Biden
Xi’s meeting with Biden marked the end of a presidency punctuated by several high-profile disputes with China, including the 2023 downing of a Chinese balloon over U.S. territory. The Biden administration accused Beijing of using the balloon for surveillance, as it passed over sensitive U.S. military sites. China denied the allegations, claiming the balloon was a civilian weather research aircraft and condemned its destruction by a U.S. missile.
This incident was one of several flashpoints that fueled tensions between the two nations. However, in their final encounter, Biden and Xi sought to strike a more conciliatory tone.
“We haven’t always agreed, but our conversations have always been candid and always been frank,” Biden said to Xi during their meeting. “These conversations prevent miscalculations and ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict.”
Trump’s Campaign Rhetoric on China
Trump’s successful re-election campaign revived his “America First” platform, with frequent criticism of China. At his final rally in Michigan, Trump pledged to protect U.S. manufacturing from Chinese competition. “I charged China hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes and tariffs. They paid us,” he boasted.
Yet, Trump also expressed a desire to improve relations with Beijing. “We’re going to get along great with China. I want to get along with them. President Xi was great until COVID came. Then, I wasn’t so thrilled with him,” Trump said, referring to his criticism of China’s handling of the pandemic.
Despite his combative rhetoric, Trump acknowledged Xi’s authority and leadership. Following an assassination attempt on Trump earlier this year, he revealed that Xi had written him a “beautiful note” of support.
Biden’s Final Push for Stability
In their meeting, Biden and Xi discussed critical global challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear weapons. A White House readout highlighted their shared commitment to ensuring “human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons” and a cautious approach to military AI technology.
Biden also reaffirmed the U.S.’s “one China policy,” which recognizes Beijing as the sole government of China, while stressing the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. “He reiterated that the United States opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,” the readout said, emphasizing peaceful resolutions to cross-Strait differences.
Biden additionally called for an end to “destabilizing” Chinese military activity near Taiwan. While advocating for peace, he used the meeting to press Xi on issues like synthetic drug trafficking and human rights.
Looking Ahead: Xi’s Message of Cooperation
As Trump prepares to assume office, Xi’s remarks at APEC signal Beijing’s intention to work constructively with the new administration. While the past few years have been marked by disputes under Biden, both leaders at APEC seemed to recognize the importance of stabilizing the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump, returning to office with a mix of combative and conciliatory rhetoric on China, faces the challenge of balancing domestic priorities with global diplomacy. Xi’s statement suggests Beijing is prepared to engage in a pragmatic partnership, though significant challenges remain.