Biden and Xi meeting to be held on Arrival.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the US for his first visit in six years. Biden and Xi meeting to be held at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday morning. Following the Biden meeting, President Xi will participate in the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The summit is considered an opportunity to address tensions and reduce friction in the ongoing rivalry between the US and China.
President Xi’s arrival included a wave from the steps of his Air China plane and a meeting with US officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. The visit is expected to draw demonstrations both in support of and against Xi.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing APEC ministers, emphasized the importance of a region where economies can choose their own path, goods and ideas flow freely, without mentioning China directly. Economic issues, geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains, and the climate crisis were highlighted during the APEC ministerial session.
President Biden expressed his intention to improve relations with China, seeking to resume normal communications and address economic issues. The leaders are expected to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict, US support for Ukraine, and economic matters, including efforts to “de-risk” critical US supply chains from China.
Xi, aiming to attract foreign investment during APEC, is set to dine with top US business executives. Biden assured that the US does not seek complete economic separation from China, but rather aims to improve the economic relationship.
Concerns exist regarding potential economic showdowns, military-to-military contacts, and cooperation in combating the production of synthetic opioids. Sino-US relations strained after the US shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, and efforts have been made to rebuild communication and trust.
Demonstrators, both pro-China and critical rights groups, gathered ahead of Xi’s arrival. Larger protests are expected near the summit venue, addressing issues in Tibet, Hong Kong, and the treatment of Uyghurs. The complex dynamics between the US and China are evident in the diverse demonstrations and concerns raised on various fronts.
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