Biden and Xi Meet, Delivering Messages Seemingly Intended for Trump

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a virtual meeting, marking the first direct communication between the two leaders since Biden took office earlier this year. The meeting, which lasted for nearly three and a half hours, covered a wide range of topics, including trade, human rights, and regional security issues.

The timing of the meeting is significant, coming just weeks after the U.S. presidential election, which saw Biden defeat incumbent President Donald Trump. During his time in office, Trump took a hardline stance on China, imposing tariffs and sanctions on Chinese goods and tech companies, and engaging in a trade war that strained relations between the two countries.

In contrast, Biden has signaled a more diplomatic approach to China, emphasizing the importance of working with Beijing on issues such as climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. However, he has also been critical of China’s human rights record and its actions in places like Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

During the meeting, both leaders delivered messages that seemed to be intended for Trump, who has yet to concede the election and continues to make baseless claims of voter fraud. Xi emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries, while Biden stressed the need for transparency and accountability in international relations.

The meeting also touched on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, with Biden reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to the island’s security and Xi warning against any attempts to interfere in China’s internal affairs. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing trade war, with Biden expressing his desire to find a “middle ground” that benefits both countries.

Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi is seen as a positive step towards improving relations between the two countries after years of tension and confrontation. While there are still many challenges to overcome, including issues of human rights and regional security, both leaders have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground.

As the Biden administration prepares to take office in January, it will be interesting to see how its approach to China evolves and whether it can successfully navigate the complex relationship between the world’s two largest economies. The meeting between Biden and Xi is a promising start, but there is still much work to be done to address the many issues that divide the two countries.