World Leaders Navigate Uncertainty with China Amid US Transition

As the United States prepares to welcome a new president, global leaders are looking for stability in their relationships with China. The outgoing US President, Joe Biden, has pledged not to let competition with China turn into conflict, while the incoming President, Donald Trump, has promised a more confrontational approach. At a recent meeting in Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his desire for a "stable, healthy, and sustainable" relationship with the US. Similarly, leaders from the UK and Australia have called for consistent and calm interactions with China. However, numerous issues, such as human rights, Taiwan, technology competition, and cybersecurity, pose potential challenges. As Biden concludes his tenure, there's uncertainty about how the US will handle these threats. China, meanwhile, seeks to position itself as a supporter of open trade and stability. But tensions remain, as seen when Chinese representatives blocked cameras from capturing comments on human rights. Yet, progress has been made, with China and Australia resuming dialogues and easing trade tensions. The US and China have also attempted to de-escalate conflicts, though Trump's return could complicate these efforts. Many officials worry that Trump's policies could harm the US's international standing. China, in turn, aims to be more flexible in its diplomacy. However, the reality is that businesses often face barriers in China, and the country's trade practices have stirred frustration in other nations. As the G20 summit concludes, the world awaits to see how these diplomatic efforts will unfold.