China Condition for Xi-Biden Meeting : China’s top security agency has suggested that any meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco later this year will depend on the United States “showing sufficient sincerity.
Beijing, 05 September (City Times): China Condition for Xi-Biden Meeting: China’s top security agency has suggested that any meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco later this year will depend on the United States “showing sufficient sincerity.” This comment comes amid efforts to stabilize the troubled relations between the two countries.
Biden’s Expression of Disappointment
US President Joe Biden expressed disappointment that President Xi would not be attending an upcoming G20 summit in India. However, he mentioned that he was looking forward to “getting to see him.” The absence of President Xi at the G20 summit raised questions about the next possible opportunity for Biden and Xi to hold talks.
Looking Ahead to the APEC Summit in San Francisco
The next potential meeting between the two leaders could take place at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco in November. However, China’s Ministry of State Security has emphasized that for this meeting to happen and for genuine progress in Sino-US relations, the United States needs to demonstrate sincerity.
China’s Perspective on US Strategy
China’s Ministry of State Security assessed the US policy towards China as dual-natured. While the US has expressed intentions of competing with China, it also seems interested in controlling that competition. Recent US actions, such as arms sales and military financing to Taiwan, and raising concerns about Tibet and the South China Sea, have been viewed critically by China.
China’s Response to US Actions
The state security ministry emphasized that China will not lower its guard due to “nice words” from the United States. China perceives various obstacles, containment efforts, and suppression tactics from the US as motivations to become more self-reliant and courageous in its pursuits.
US-China Economic Relations
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who visited China recently, clarified that the US does not seek to decouple from China. However, she noted that some US companies have expressed concerns about the business environment in China, citing fines, raids, and other actions that have made investments in China riskier.
China’s Call for Action
China has called on the United States to take more “practical and beneficial actions” to maintain China-US ties. This call comes in response to concerns raised by US companies about the investment climate in China.
US-China Trade Tensions
The US and China have been embroiled in trade tensions for several years. It began with the Trump administration imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, citing concerns about unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. China retaliated with its tariffs on American goods, leading to a tit-for-tat trade war.
Efforts to Ease Trade Tensions
In January 2020, the US and China signed a Phase One trade deal, which was seen as a partial truce in their trade war. Under the deal, China committed to purchasing an additional $200 billion of American goods and services over two years. In return, the US agreed to reduce some tariffs on Chinese products.
Obstacles to Trade Deal Fulfilment
Despite the Phase One trade deal, challenges remained in implementing the agreement. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global trade, affecting China’s ability to meet its purchasing commitments. Additionally, political tensions, especially regarding the origins of the virus, strained US-China relations.
The Biden Administration’s Approach
The Biden administration conducted a review of US-China trade policy and maintained many of the tariffs imposed by the previous administration. However, it sought a more cooperative approach on issues such as climate change and global health.
US Concerns Over Chinese Technology
Apart from trade, security concerns have also strained US-China relations. The US has expressed concerns about China’s telecommunications giant Huawei and its potential role in 5G networks worldwide. It has also taken steps to limit the use of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure and sensitive industries.
US Criticisms of China’s Human Rights Record
The US has repeatedly criticized China for its human rights practices, particularly in relation to the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and the imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong. These issues have led to sanctions and tensions between the two countries.
Taiwan and Military Posturing
The US has maintained its support for Taiwan, a self-governing island that China considers a part of its territory. The US has increased arms sales to Taiwan, leading to objections from China. Both countries have engaged in military posturing in the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns about a potential conflict.
Diplomatic Engagements
Despite these challenges, both the US and China have expressed a desire for diplomatic engagement and cooperation on global issues like climate change. However, the path to a stable and cooperative US-China relationship remains uncertain, with various economic, security, and political factors at play.
The Complex US-China Relationship
The relationship between the United States and China is multifaceted, encompassing trade, security, human rights, and diplomatic engagement. While both countries have expressed a willingness to cooperate on certain issues, tensions persist in many areas. The outcome of any potential meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden will be closely watched as a barometer of the future direction of this critical global relationship.
