Samina Mustafa
M.Phil. Scholar
The recent meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, held on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic forum in San Francisco, marked a significant shift in the long-strained relations between China and the United States. This face-to-face interaction aimed to address contentious issues that have plagued the bilateral ties between the two superpowers.
During his visit to San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping received a warm reception from the U.S. business community, marked by three standing ovations. The summit with President Joe Biden proved to be a diplomatic success, resulting in agreements on key issues such as fentanyl, military communications, and artificial intelligence. Interestingly, these outcomes were aligned with the priorities of the United States, indicating a willingness on China’s part to make concessions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping received multiple standing ovations from the U.S. business community during his recent visit to San Francisco. The summit with President Joe Biden resulted in agreements on fentanyl, military communications, and artificial intelligence. Notably, the outcomes were sought by the U.S., signaling a concession from China. Xi aimed to secure policy concessions in exchange for promises of cooperation, easing bilateral tensions for a focus on economic growth. The summit addressed issues such as fentanyl production, military dialogues, and economic concerns. While tensions persist, the agreements offer a glimpse of a more collaborative future.
One of the significant achievements of the summit was Xi’s promise of Chinese cooperation in addressing the flow of fentanyl to the United States, a priority for the Biden administration. The agreement involves China taking action against specific companies producing fentanyl precursors, with the understanding of a “trust but verify” basis. In response, the U.S. government removed a Chinese public security forensic institute from its Commerce Department trade sanction list, a move that holds diplomatic significance for China.
The removal of sanctions against the institute has sparked debate and criticism, with some arguing that it could undermine the credibility of U.S. entity listings and moral authority, especially in light of concerns about human rights abuses in China, particularly against the Uyghur population. Critics caution that such concessions may send a signal to Beijing that U.S. entity listings are negotiable, raising questions about the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing human rights issues in China.
Additionally, the summit addressed the resumption of military dialogues, a crucial development given China’s suspension of such talks following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 visit to Taiwan. While the move is expected to lower tensions, analysts note that it may not necessarily alter Chinese military behavior, particularly concerning intercepts of U.S. ships and aircraft in international waters.
In his public remarks, President Xi emphasized China’s desire for peaceful coexistence with the United States and positioned China as ready to be a “partner and friend” to the U.S. These statements were likely aimed at reassuring the U.S. business community, which has been apprehensive about China’s recent crackdown on various industries.
The summit showcased a pragmatic approach from both leaders, with Xi acknowledging the necessity of somewhat normal relations with the U.S. and Western countries for China’s economic progress. Despite underlying tensions and ideological differences, the agreements reached during the summit provide a glimpse of a more collaborative future. The challenge now lies in sustaining this momentum, navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, and ensuring that the positive outcomes translate into tangible improvements in the bilateral relationship.
Diplomatic engagements between China and the United States, marked by high-profile visits and a series of interactions, indicate a thaw in their long-strained relationship. As both nations aim to stabilize ties before the upcoming summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, there’s a crucial need to manage expectations and dispel misperceptions that may hinder progress.
The summit, set against the backdrop of high-profile visits, paved the way for a more constructive dialogue. While no major breakthroughs were expected, both leaders acknowledged the need for stable and predictable relations, signaling a potential thaw in the frosty atmosphere of recent years.
The consecutive visits of prominent U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, demonstrate a concerted effort to engage in meaningful discussions. These interactions serve as crucial precursors to the summit, fostering an atmosphere conducive to diplomatic progress.
Despite the absence of expectations for groundbreaking developments, the complexity of the issues at hand requires careful navigation. The leaders’ commitment to stable relations suggests a willingness to address underlying challenges methodically. This includes areas such as trade, technology, and geopolitical concerns that have contributed to the strained relationship in recent times.
The summit, being the first face-to-face interaction between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in over a year, presents a valuable window for diplomatic discussions. The leaders’ recognition of the vastness of the planet accommodating both global powers reflects a broader understanding of shared responsibilities and the need to manage competition responsibly.
The summit yielded agreements in three key areas: the restoration of high-level military communication, the establishment of a presidential hotline, and cooperation to restrict the production of fentanyl precursors. Resuming military relations is particularly significant, given the volatile situation in the South China Sea, where both nations have significant military deployments.
The positive developments in China-US relations notwithstanding, the persisting differences on major issues cast a shadow over the prospect of enduring stability. Notably, the Taiwan question emerges as a particularly volatile flashpoint that continues to test the delicate balance between the two nations.
The renewed focus on crisis management and de-escalation is a relief for the international community, as the trajectory of China-US relations holds far-reaching repercussions. The agreement on counter-narcotics, with China committing to check fentanyl production, demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing transnational challenges.
In essence, the implications for global stability are far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate concerns of bilateral relations. The collaborative stance on crisis management and the commitment to addressing transnational challenges reflect a growing recognition of the interdependence of nations in an increasingly interconnected world. As China and the United States navigate their relationship with a focus on dialogue and cooperation, the international community stands to benefit from a more stable and secure global order.
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