Image Source : CNN
Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden recently met for what is likely their final encounter, as Biden prepares to hand over the reins to the incoming Trump administration. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ summit in Lima, Peru, was seen as a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to discuss pressing issues and reaffirm their commitment to cooperation .
During the meeting, Xi emphasized China’s desire for a “smooth transition” to the Trump administration, signaling Beijing’s willingness to work with the incoming US government. This gesture is particularly significant, given the complex and often contentious nature of US-China relations in recent years .
However, the meeting was not without its tensions. China’s ambassador to the US, Qin Gang, issued a statement warning the US against crossing four “red lines” that Beijing considers essential to its national interests. These red lines include Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, all of which are highly sensitive topics in US-China relations.
Despite these tensions, the meeting between Xi and Biden is seen as a positive step towards maintaining stability and cooperation in US-China relations during the transition period. As the world watches the handover of power in the US, all eyes will be on how China and the US navigate their complex and multifaceted relationship in the months and years to come.
