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During his final meeting with US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed willingness to collaborate with the new administration of Donald Trump in managing differences between the two countries.
The meeting between the Chinese and US presidents took place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, where Xi acknowledged the ups and downs in bilateral ties over the past four years. Despite the challenges, Xi emphasized the importance of engaging in productive dialogue and cooperation, stating that the relationship between the two nations remains stable overall.
Xi expressed China’s readiness to work with the US government to maintain dialogue, enhance cooperation, and address differences for the mutual benefit of both peoples. In response, Biden underscored the significance of the US-China relationship, emphasizing the need to prevent competition from escalating into conflict.
Despite the recent tensions between the two nations, including incidents such as Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and a Chinese spy balloon flying over the US, relations have shown signs of stabilization. However, challenges persist as the superpowers continue to navigate various disagreements.
The meeting between Xi and Biden precedes Trump’s imminent return to the presidency. Speculation surrounds whether influential figures like Elon Musk, known for his ties to Trump and business ventures in China, will advocate for a more conciliatory approach towards Beijing.
Xi reiterated China’s willingness to collaborate with the US while cautioning against viewing major country competition as the prevailing paradigm. He also raised concerns about US efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies.
Notably, the leaders’ summit in Peru marked the first face-to-face meeting between Xi and Biden since their previous engagement in San Francisco. Observers noted a shift in the tone of Chinese statements, indicating a recognition of potential policy changes with the transition in US leadership.
During the summit, both leaders engaged with other Apec members, including Japan and South Korea. Xi also met with representatives from New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Chile, while Biden interacted with Taiwan’s representative Lin Hsin-I, who extended an invitation for a visit to Taiwan.
In a group photo from the summit, Xi took a central position while all leaders donned traditional Peruvian vicuña wool scarves, reflecting the host country’s cultural customs.