Introduction

In a high-stakes meeting that could shape the future of international relations, President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to confront years of disagreement regarding global governance. With Biden labeling Xi a "dictator" and emphasizing democracy as the "defining challenge of our age," tensions have reached a boiling point. Meanwhile, Xi has fired back, branding the United States as the "biggest source of chaos" and cautioning against what he perceives as dangerous Western liberal ideologies.

Meeting Context

As they meet for what may be their last face-to-face encounter on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru, the balance of power appears to be shifting. Biden's influence on the global stage is waning after Donald J. Trump’s triumphal return to power, a development that aggravates China’s outlook on U.S.-China relations.

Biden's Objectives

The Biden administration aims to leverage this meeting to address critical issues such as cyber security threats, human rights abuses in China, and ongoing provocations concerning Taiwan. However, Xi is expected to brush off Biden's concerns, potentially viewing the U.S. president's diminished status as validation of his own political theories. "Part of Xi likely privately celebrated the defeat of the Democrats in the U.S. as showing the strength of the Chinese system," said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London.

Implications of Trump's Return

The implications for Biden's hallmark China strategy, which emphasizes competition without conflict and uniting democratic allies against Beijing, are uncertain. As Trump prepares to retake control, he has pledged to ramp up confrontational policies against China, including imposing hefty tariffs. This shift may lead to drastic policy reversals and increased volatility in U.S.-China relations, much to the concern of experts on both sides.

Chinese Response

Chinese officials are keenly aware that with Trump back in office, many of Biden's initiatives may be swiftly scrapped. "[Power transitions in the U.S.] have made foreign policy resemble 'sesame cakes being flipped' on a hot griddle," noted Xin Qiang, deputy director at Fudan University's Center for American Studies.

Potential Cabinet Dynamics

Moreover, Trump’s potential cabinet choices, including Representative Michael Waltz for national security adviser and Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state, are known for their hawkish stance toward China, which could lead to heightened tensions. "Throughout the first Trump term, the Chinese ridiculed President Trump and American democracy, but now they may take him much more seriously," stated Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center.

Escalating Competition and Risks

As competition between the two superpowers escalates, fears of conflict, whether military or economic, loom large. In a calculated move, Xi is determined to present himself as a stabilizing presence amid rising global uncertainty. Although Biden adopted many policies from the Trump era, he has combined them with rigorous diplomatic efforts, helping to prevent a full-blown rivalry across various domains, including military, trade, and technology.

Persistent Friction

Nevertheless, friction persists, with the U.S. recently accusing China of orchestrating extensive cyber-attacks against American telecommunications, a claim China has vehemently dismissed as misinformation.

China's Influence in Latin America

Xi's upcoming visit to South America, including a stop in Brazil, signals his intent to reinforce China's role as a stabilizing force against Trump’s unpredictability. China has systematically increased its influence in Peru over the past decade, overtaking the U.S. as the leading trading partner since 2014. Xi has highlighted the importance of this relationship, noting that Peru hosts a significant ethnic Chinese community and is a key recipient of Chinese investment in Latin America.

Conclusion

With tensions on the rise and global dynamics shifting dramatically, the world watches closely as Biden and Xi prepare to face off once more—what could this mean for the future of international relations and political stability? Buckle up; the global stage is set for a showdown!