As US President Joe Biden prepares for a rare summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas set the stage for high-stakes discussions, CNN reported Tuesday.
The American and Chinese delegations plan to address the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars at their extensive meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area, senior administration officials said. During these talks, President Biden and his national security advisers will work to persuade their Chinese counterparts that it is in Beijing’s interest to use its influence with Russia and Iran to contain both conflicts.
Rising global unrest adds importance to Biden’s face-to-face meeting with Xi, his first in a year. As Biden grapples with two conflicts that could define his presidency (Ukraine and Israel), he is interested in improving ties with Beijing and avoiding additional crises during his term. The United States has tried to manage expectations about the talks, highlighting the restoration of military communication and an agreement to curb narcotics trafficking as key objectives, CNN reported.
Biden told reporters on Tuesday that his goal in meeting Xi will be to normalize communication channels between the two powers. Asked how he defined the success of Wednesday’s meeting, Biden said: “Getting back on track.” He said the meeting also included “correspondence, being able to pick up the phone and talk to each other if there’s a crisis, being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with each other.” U.S. officials have been working to reestablish military communications with China after after Beijing cut them off last year, according to CNN.
A major concern for the United States is the risk of miscalculations or miscommunications leading to conflict, including in the tense waters around Taiwan and the South China Sea.
“As I told you, we’re not trying to disengage from China,” Biden said, adding, “What we’re trying to do is improve the relationship.”
He also mentioned China’s relative economic weakness and said he was seeking to strengthen a relationship that benefits both countries.
Even as he puts pressure on Xi, Biden’s own ability to shape wars in the Middle East and Europe is being tested, as Israel continues its attack on Gaza’s civilian infrastructure and as Ukraine struggles to regain territory after the invasion of Russia 20 months ago. His strong support and billions of dollars in US military assistance have not necessarily led to the results US officials hoped for, as CNN reported.
“The president will underscore our desire for China to make clear in its burgeoning relationship … with Iran that it is essential that Iran not seek to escalate or spread violence in the Middle East,” a senior administration official said.
President Biden will point out to President Xi that Iran acting in a destabilizing and escalating manner that undermines stability throughout the Middle East is not in the best interest of China or any other responsible country, the US national security adviser said Monday. , Jake Sullivan, at the White Conference. Home.
As he puts pressure on Xi, Biden aims to shape China’s role in the Middle East, urging it to take advantage of its alliance with Iran to reduce tension. China’s growing influence in Iran, driven by a shared antipathy toward the United States, presents an opportunity for diplomatic intervention.
The US president is expected to emphasize the need for China to play a constructive role in calming tensions in the Middle East. This includes focusing on Iran refraining from provocative actions, with a clear message that the United States is prepared to respond promptly to any such actions.
The outcome of the summit will determine the success of Biden’s efforts to win China’s support in managing global conflicts. The challenge lies not only in urging restraint in the Middle East but also in influencing China’s stance toward Russia, especially regarding its economic alliance and its role in the Ukraine conflict. The complex geopolitical dynamics will test the diplomatic skills of both leaders during this critical summit.
To that end, in Wednesday’s meetings, US officials intend to “underscore our continued concerns about such provocations to China, which remains a major backer of North Korea,” CNN reported.
