Biden and Xi: A Friendship on the Brink

When President Joe Biden meets Chinese President Xi Jinping for the last time this weekend in Peru, it won't just be a casual chat over dinner. The stakes are high, especially with former President Donald Trump's return to the political scene. Trump's unpredictable nature and tough stance on trade with China are leaving world leaders on edge. Xi, who values stability, might not be thrilled about the uncertainty. Biden and Xi go way back, with their first meeting over a decade ago in Chengdu. Biden loves to recall that night, where he summed up America in one word: possibilities. But times have changed. Trump's potential return to power has everyone wondering what comes next for U. S. -China relations. The two leaders will discuss familiar topics like Taiwan and human rights, but there are new issues too, like China's alleged hacking attempts on Trump's devices. Despite the tension, Biden's team wants to keep communication lines open, emphasizing the value of stability and predictability. It’s not all about the future, though. This meeting is also a chance to look back at their lengthy relationship. They first met when both were vice presidents, and Biden has traveled thousands of miles with Xi. But Xi seems to have shifted his focus, deepening ties with Russia. Biden's main counterbalance to China has been strengthening ties between the U. S. , Japan, and South Korea. He hopes this partnership will outlast his presidency, even with Trump back in the mix.