President Joe Biden will engage in important talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an effort to ease tensions between the US and China. The goal of recalibrating the relationship is crucial for Biden, especially as he gears up for reelection amidst global conflicts. He is aiming to emphasize the benefits of an improved relationship with China, not just to Americans but directly to President Xi.
Ahead of the summit, US officials have set modest expectations, anticipating a restoration of channels of communication to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict. Both countries have laid the groundwork for these talks, with high-level officials engaging in multiple discussions.
The location of the meeting, which took place at the historic estate Filoli in the Bay Area, was kept under wraps for security reasons, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the summit. Despite their previous deep connections, Biden and Xi have overseen a deterioration in US-China relations, with military communication being suspended following tense episodes between the two countries.
The agenda for the summit was extensive, covering major areas of disagreement and potential areas of collaboration. China’s claim over Taiwan, economic issues, human rights violations, and climate change were just some of the topics expected to be tackled during the discussions.
As a show of force before the summit, the Biden administration has been finalizing an agreement with China to crack down on the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a key part of President Biden’s domestic political strategy.
All eyes are on this summit as President Biden aims to reassert American leadership on the global stage and resolve pressing issues with China.
