Joe Biden meets Xi Jinping in San Francisco today: talks on Ukraine and Israel wars likely on agenda
Joe Biden told reporters that his goal in the meeting with Xi will be to normalize channels of communication between the two powers.
San FranciscoAs US President Joe Biden prepares for a rare summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas are setting the stage for high-stakes discussions, CNN reported on Tuesday. The US and Chinese delegations plan to address the wars between Ukraine and Russia as well as Israel and Hamas during their extended meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area, as stated by senior administration officials. During these talks, President Biden and his national security advisers will try to convince their Chinese counterparts that it is in Beijing’s interest to use its influence over Russia and Iran to contain both conflicts.
The increased global unrest adds significance to Biden’s face-to-face meeting with Xi, their first in a year. As Biden grapples with two conflicts that could define his presidency — Ukraine and Israel — he is eager to strengthen ties with Beijing and avert more crises during his term. The US has tried to manage expectations for the talks, highlighting the restoration of military communications and an agreement to curb narcotics trafficking as key objectives, as reported by CNN.
Biden told reporters on Tuesday that his goal in the meeting with Xi will be to normalize channels of communication between the two powers. When asked how he defined success before Wednesday’s sit-down, Biden said: “To get back on a normal course.”
He said the meeting also included “corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to each other when there is a crisis, and making sure that our militaries are still in contact with each other.” According to CNN, US officials have been working to restore military communications with China after Beijing severed them last year.
One of the top U.S. concerns is the risk of miscalculations or miscommunication leading to conflict, including in the tense waters around Taiwan and the South China Sea.
“As I told you, we’re not trying to break away from China,” Biden said, adding: “What we’re trying to do is change the relationship for the better.”
He also cited China’s relative economic weakness and said he wanted to strengthen a relationship that would benefit both countries.
Even as he puts pressure on Xi, Biden’s own ability to shape the wars in the Middle East and Europe is being tested, as Israel continues its assault on Gaza’s civilian infrastructure and Ukraine struggles to regain territory after the Russian invasion of twenty months ago. His staunch support and billions of dollars in military aid from the United States have not necessarily led to the results U.S. officials had hoped for, as reported by CNN.
“The president will underscore our desire that China make clear in its growing relationship with Iran that it is essential that Iran does not seek to escalate or spread violence in the Middle East,” a senior administration official said.
President Biden will make clear to President Xi that Iran is acting in an escalating, destabilizing manner that undermines stability in the broader Middle East and is not in the interests of China or any other responsible country, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Monday in the White House. House.
While putting pressure on Xi, Biden wants to shape China’s role in the Middle East, urging them to use their alliance with Iran to de-escalate. China’s growing influence in Iran, driven by shared antipathy toward the United States, presents an opportunity for diplomatic intervention.
The US president is expected to emphasize the need for China to play a constructive role in calming tensions in the Middle East. This includes an emphasis on refraining from provocative actions by Iran, with a clear message that the United States is prepared to respond immediately to such actions.
The outcome of the summit will determine the success of Biden’s efforts to enlist China’s support in managing global conflicts. The challenge lies not only in pushing for restraint in the Middle East, but also in influencing China’s position towards Russia, especially regarding its economic alliance and role in the conflict in Ukraine. The complex geopolitical dynamics will test the diplomatic skills of both leaders during this crucial summit.
To that end, U.S. officials plan to “underscore our continued concerns about these provocations against China, which remains a substantial patron of North Korea,” during Wednesday’s meetings, CNN reported.