As the world’s two largest economies and most influential powers, the relationship between China and the United States significantly impacts global affairs. With the upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, there is cautious optimism about the potential for improved relations.
Despite low expectations, analysts hope the summit will help both nations gain a more realistic understanding of each other’s strategic intentions and prevent divergences from escalating into conflicts. Even symbolic gestures and commitments to maintain high-level communications could stabilize bilateral relations in the short term, especially as the U.S. enters its election cycle next year.
The deterioration of China-U.S. relations in recent years has largely stemmed from U.S. actions, including the imposition of sanctions, visits by senior U.S. officials to the Taiwan region, and increased “freedom of navigation” operations near China’s waters. In contrast, China has consistently sought to steady relations, recognizing that collaboration is essential for addressing global challenges such as wars, climate change, and poverty.
Recent efforts by the U.S., including visits by senior officials to Beijing to meet their counterparts, indicate a possible shift toward improving relations. These developments suggest that within the U.S.’s contradictory posture lies hope for a more constructive relationship with China. A world facing numerous challenges can only benefit from such a rapprochement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
