Chinese President Xi Jinping will be arriving at San Francisco International Airport on November 14, 2023 to attend the APEC summit. President Joe Biden will also be present at the event, marking the first face-to-face meeting between the US and Chinese leaders in a year.
The meeting comes amid increasing competition between the two global powers, with China taking advantage of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to expand its influence. President Biden is eager to ease tensions with Xi Jinping, despite the escalating global chaos and conflict.
The US and Chinese officials are seeking to reestablish military communications that were cut after an incident in February earlier this year. They are also working to find common ground on issues such as limiting the use of AI in nuclear weapons systems.
However, the strained relationship between the US and China is becoming more pronounced. China is portraying itself as the champion of nations oppressed by Western global dominance, forming close ties with Russia and Iran, the US’ arch-global foes.
The rivalry is evident in various global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where China has supported Russia diplomatically. Additionally, China has been critical of Israel’s actions in the Middle East, winning over countries that have been angered by Western actions in the region.
At a recent Belt and Road summit in Beijing, Xi Jinping showcased China’s support from developing nations, positioning China as a global power to rival the US. Although China’s influence is growing, it remains dependent on Western markets and American investment despite economic struggles.
Xi Jinping will be looking to decrease tensions with the US, particularly regarding issues like Taiwan’s independence. However, regardless of the agreements made with the US President, Xi’s primary goal remains Chinese global dominance.
