Chinese President Xi Jinping has committed to working with incoming US President Donald Trump, following a recent meeting with outgoing President Joe Biden. The leaders met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, acknowledging the “ups and downs” of their relationship under Biden’s tenure.
Despite tensions over issues like trade and Taiwan, both leaders emphasized progress in reducing disputes. Analysts, however, predict that US-China relations could become more volatile under Trump’s administration. Trump’s return is expected to bring challenges, including promises of 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and hawkish appointments in key foreign and defense positions.
During his first term, Trump labeled China a “strategic competitor” and stirred controversy by blaming Beijing for the “Chinese virus” amid the pandemic. President Xi expressed China’s readiness to engage with the new administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences.
Biden, stressing the need to keep strategic competition from escalating into conflict, underscored the achievements of his administration in maintaining stability despite challenges, such as military displays around Taiwan and a high-profile espionage saga.
Experts believe Beijing is uneasy about Trump’s unpredictability. Bonnie Glaser, Indo-Pacific Program Director at the Marshall Fund, noted that while China might be eager to negotiate, it remains anxious over lacking reliable channels to influence Trump’s policies.
The Biden administration has reinforced alliances across Asia and the Pacific to counter China’s assertiveness. Biden continued some of Trump’s trade measures, imposing duties targeting Chinese steel and electric vehicle imports. He also asserted US defense commitments to Taiwan, a potential flashpoint for future US-China tensions.
