In the city by the bay, San Francisco, President Joe Biden and China’s leader Xi Jinping recently met face to face. It was a reunion following a silent period of over a year and marked by increasing tensions between the United States and China, sparking war concerns. Amidst the picturesque 654-acre Filoli estate, in Woodside, about 35 miles south of San Francisco, Xi Jinping arrived and stepped onto a red carpet. Greeted by President Biden, they shared a handshake and then proceeded inside, surrounded by their delegations.
Together, seated across from each other at a long rectangular table, with the flags of China and the U.S. in the background, they engaged in dialogue. Emphasizing the importance of understanding and clear communication, President Biden conveyed concerns about competition between the two superpowers veering into conflict. President Xi Jinping echoed sentiments, expressing the bilateral relationship of China and the U.S., highlighting that confrontation would have dire consequences.
Following the summit, President Biden will attend a press conference and hold a reception for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders in San Francisco. This event is a significant milestone as it is the first time Biden and Xi have met, or even spoken, since their last meeting in Indonesia a year ago. The day was expected to be productive and serve as a first step towards a constructive dialogue.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent developments that have magnified the potential for conflict between the two countries, such as the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon over the U.S. Notably, the meeting aimed at addressing pressing issues, including the flow of fentanyl from China to the U.S. and reinstating military communication channels.
Furthermore, Biden aims to push for China’s influence with Iran to prevent escalation in the Israel-Hamas war. These complexities and tensions between the U.S. and China are significant given the critical global leadership roles the two nations hold. It was a display of diplomacy, strategy, and leadership amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
