China Sees Biden-Xi Meeting in November 'Won't Be Smooth Sailing'

China's foreign minister has expressed his belief that the anticipated meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden may encounter obstacles.

He emphasized the need for both sides to collaborate to achieve desired outcomes, as per Politico.

Complex US-China Relationship

(Photo : WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a press briefing during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on October 18, 2023.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on a significant three-day visit to Washington, where he held meetings with US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Amid rising tensions and complex issues between the two nations, this visit sought to pave the way for diplomatic engagement, even as the road to better relations was acknowledged to be far from smooth sailing.

One of the central agreements to emerge from Wang's visit was the commitment of both the United States and China to work towards a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit, scheduled to be held in San Francisco in November.

The prospect of such a meeting is significant, considering the ongoing friction over matters like US export controls on advanced technology and China's increasingly assertive actions in the East and South China seas.

In a statement released by China's foreign ministry summarizing the discussions, Wang acknowledged that reaching a bilateral meeting would not be effortless, cautioning against relying on "autopilot" to make it happen.

This acknowledgment reflects the inherent complexities of the US-China relationship, which is riddled with differences on economic, political, and security fronts. The foreign ministry emphasized that while numerous challenges still lay ahead, both nations recognized the importance of maintaining a dialogue.

The need for open communication is underscored by the innumerable global crises and issues that require cooperation, particularly in a world dealing with conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Wang Yi also referred to a "return to Bali," harkening back to a previous meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Biden at a G20 summit, according to Voa News.

Taiwan, Trade Tensions, and Global Challenges

This last meeting covered many issues, including Taiwan, US-China trade tensions, and cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, health, and food security. Wang's message conveyed the necessity for both countries to transcend obstacles, enhance consensus, and accumulate tangible results in their interactions.

Besides discussing the path to a bilateral meeting, Wang Yi and President Biden addressed various critical issues, including military exchanges, financial cooperation, technological partnerships, and cultural exchanges. These areas of cooperation and collaboration are essential not only for US-China relations but also for broader global stability.

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East and Ukraine were also part of the agenda during Wang's visit, highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues and the critical role that major powers like the United States and China play in addressing them.

Wang's visit underscored the importance of engaging in diplomatic dialogue even in the face of complex and contentious matters, as international challenges require collaborative solutions. The significance of Wang Yi's visit lies in the recognition that US-China relations are multifaceted and extend beyond any single issue.

While both nations grapple with their differences, there is a growing understanding that maintaining diplomatic channels and seeking common ground is imperative for global stability and prosperity. The forthcoming APEC summit in San Francisco will be a crucial opportunity for both sides to navigate the choppy waters of their relationship and work toward a more cooperative future, News 18 reported.