Lima, Peru, November 2024
As President Joe Biden meets Chinese President Xi Jinping for their final bilateral discussion at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the specter of President-elect Donald Trump looms large over the proceedings. Biden and Xi, who share a decade-long diplomatic relationship, are expected to reflect on their complex history amid mounting uncertainty over future U.S.-China relations.
Trump’s Presence Shapes the APEC Summit Agenda
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has dominated discussions at the APEC summit in Lima, with delegates expressing concern over the potential for heightened unpredictability in U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s past approach of tariffs, isolationism, and hardline stances toward Beijing has raised fears of renewed volatility in the already fraught U.S.-China relationship.
Biden-Xi Meeting Focuses on Stability Amid Transition
Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and open communication during the transition of power in Washington. “Transitions are uniquely consequential moments in geopolitics,” Sullivan said. “Part of what President Biden will communicate is the need for clarity and predictability in U.S.-China relations.”
While Biden is expected to reiterate the value of dialogue, administration officials acknowledge there is little they can do to predict Trump’s policy direction. Topics on the table for discussion include Taiwan, Ukraine, fentanyl production, human rights, and China’s alleged attempts to hack devices linked to Trump’s campaign.
Xi Warns of Global Instability and Protectionism
In remarks delivered ahead of his meeting with Biden, Xi described the current global climate as a “new period of turbulence and transformation,” citing the rise of protectionism and unilateralism as key threats. His comments reflect concerns about Trump’s hawkish rhetoric, including promises of 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and hardline national security appointments.
Reflecting on a Complex Relationship
For Biden and Xi, their meeting in Lima represents a moment to reflect on a relationship that began when both served as vice presidents. Biden often recounts their 2011 dinner in Chengdu, where he defined America in one word: “Possibilities.” Despite their long-standing engagement, ties between the two leaders have been strained by China’s alignment with Russia and other anti-Western alliances.
Biden’s East Asia Legacy as a Counterweight to China
Amid these challenges, Biden highlighted his efforts to strengthen alliances with Japan and South Korea, creating a counterweight to China’s growing influence. During the APEC summit, Biden praised the trilateral partnership as a lasting achievement of his administration, saying, “It’s my hope and expectation” that it will endure beyond his presidency.
As Biden’s term nears its end, his final meeting with Xi reflects both the achievements and challenges of his foreign policy legacy, while Trump’s imminent return casts uncertainty over the future of U.S.-China relations.