Biden and Xi's Meeting Marks Shift in U.S.-China Relations Ahead of Trump’s Return

The gathering highlights the changing dynamics between the two superpowers, with a looming shift in policy as Trump looks to take a stronger approach.

In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Saturday in Lima, Peru, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two superpowers, especially as Biden prepares to hand the reins to Donald Trump, who has vowed to adopt a more aggressive stance toward Beijing upon taking office in January.

During their frank discussions, Xi noted, “China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged,” emphasizing Beijing’s desire for an amicable relationship despite the rising tensions. Analysts suggest this gathering was Biden’s final opportunity to address Xi directly and assert U.S. interests before Trump’s revamped strategy comes into play.

In the past four years, Biden’s administration worked diligently to manage U.S.-China relations cautiously, striving to mitigate the risks of open conflict while still addressing critical issues that have arisen. However, as Biden departs the global stage, evidence suggests that China may adopt a more hardened approach, particularly evidenced by recent military maneuvers and closer ties with Russia.

Washington officials have voiced deep concerns over China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, as well as joint military exercises around Taiwan. Additionally, cybersecurity threats, specifically Chinese hackers breaching U.S. telecommunications and accessing sensitive data, have raised alarms in American intelligence circles.

As the U.S. inches closer to a new administration, the implications of this summit may echo for years to come, setting a contrasting tone for future relations with China that signal a departure from the tempered strategies of the Biden presidency. The world's geopolitical landscape is poised for transformation as Trump prepares to shift the U.S. approach to its most significant rival.