The 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC summit in San Francisco has become a point for discussions on the relationship between the United States and China. As President Joe Biden prepares to meet his China’s, Xi Jinping.
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The summit aims to address issues ranging from global warming to trade relations, with both leaders expressing the need for communication.
In a recent statement, President Biden said that China is struggling with “real problems.” Biden’s words suggest complexities that China faces domestically and on the international stage.
The implications of such a statement spread the sentiment that the APEC summit holds weight in reshaping the dynamics between the world’s two largest economies.
Prior to the summit, the United States and China made a joint commitment to collaborate closely on addressing climate change.
The leaders acknowledged the global impact of the climate crisis and reaffirmed their goals set out in the 2015 Paris climate accord.
This agreement to work together on mitigating methane emissions and incorporating reduction targets in their 2035 plans signals a area of cooperation amidst challenges.
The White House has outlined the summit’s objective as “enhancing communication to prevent conflict between the two nations.”
The agenda includes discussions on global concerns such as conflicts in the Middle East, Russia’s actions in Ukraine, North Korea’s connections with Russia, human rights, artificial intelligence, and trade relations.
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The emphasis on preventing conflict and communication underlines the urgency of addressing these issues.
Biden is expected to affirm the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Indo-Pacific allies, with a specific mention of Taiwan amid Chinese pressure.
Security commitments to the Philippines are also likely to be highlighted, showcasing the importance of regional alliances in the context of the geopolitical landscape.
The U.S. seeks concrete outcomes, including progress in restoring military ties and combatting the trade of fentanyl, a harmful synthetic opioid.
An agreement on fentanyl could involve lifting human rights sanctions on China’s police forensic institute, demonstrating the intersection of health concerns and diplomatic relations.
With Taiwan’s 2024 elections on, China aims to receive assurances from the U.S. against pro-independence sentiments.
Simultaneously, China seeks to ease tariffs and export controls on advanced semiconductors, reflecting the economic dimensions with geopolitical negotiations.
Discussions might include easing journalist visa restrictions, a move that could benefit both nations in terms of open communication.
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Additionally, there may be talks on enhancing commercial flights, fostering economic ties while navigating the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship.
The choice of Filoli Estate as the venue for the Biden-Xi meeting adds dimensions to the summit. This estate, away from the main APEC summit venue, provides a setting for the leaders to engage in one-on-one talks.
Observers suggest that such a venue aligns with Xi’s desire to project equality with Biden and command the respect of a U.S. president.
The estate’s history, sprawling gardens, and private atmosphere create an environment to building trust and understanding between leaders of diplomatic encounters.
Given the recent tensions, discussions on trade and Taiwan are expected to feature. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicated that leaders would discuss the “continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication” and managing competition responsibly.
The pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea adds urgency to the summit, with Biden likely to press Xi to use China’s influence to address the North Korean situation.
Additionally, discussions may extend to China’s influence over Iran, asking them to prevent actions that could escalate conflicts, particularly in the Israel-Hamas.
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