President Biden is expected to address North Korea’s support for Russia during final talks with Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Peru. The discussions come as Biden leaves office and concern has grown over North Korea’s military assistance to Russia amid the Ukraine war. The meeting will also cover broader U.S.-China relations, including trade, human rights, and Taiwan, ahead of the incoming Trump administration.
In his final engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Joe Biden is poised to address concerns regarding North Korea’s increasing alignment with Russia amidst the latter’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Scheduled for discussions during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, these talks represent a significant moment for Biden, who is set to leave office in two months. The focus will largely be on urging Xi to exert influence over North Korea to prevent further destabilization in the region, especially following North Korea’s military assistance to Russia. Recently, Biden condemned North Korea’s military actions, alongside South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, characterizing the cooperation with Russia as “dangerous and destabilizing.” U.S., Japanese, and South Korean intelligence reports indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with arms, positioning these developments as alarms for regional security. The leaders aim to emphasize that such an alliance is not in China’s strategic interest. Apart from the North Korean issue, Biden and Xi are expected to discuss the broader context of U.S.-China relations, including China’s perceived support of Russia, human rights concerns, advancements in technology, and tensions surrounding Taiwan. These discussions occur in an uncertain environment for U.S.-China relations, particularly with the impending arrival of a new administration led by President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has indicated intentions to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, which may further complicate relations. Additionally, the need for American businesses to perceive a favorable investment climate in China will be pivotal during the talks. Victor Cha, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Xi’s audience extends beyond the U.S. government to include significant American business leaders. Furthermore, Biden’s senior adviser, Jake Sullivan, indicated that the incoming administration must prepare for challenges related to China’s military conduct and its regional aggressions, particularly surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea.
The need for dialogue between the United States and China has become increasingly critical, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. North Korea’s alliance with Russia and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict have emerged as pressing challenges that require collaborative diplomatic efforts. The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China remains essential, influencing a range of issues from trade to military engagements. As Biden concludes his term, his administration seeks to establish foundational strategies for manageable future relations, especially regarding North Korea’s provocations and China’s strategic conduct in Asia.
In summary, President Biden’s concluding discussions with President Xi Jinping reflect significant geopolitical tensions stemming from North Korea’s actions in support of Russia. The upcoming dialogue aims to address critical issues ranging from regional stability to international trade relations, highlighting the urgency for cooperative approaches between the two global powers. Effective communication will serve not only immediate diplomatic needs but also lay groundwork for a future characterized by potential conflicts and economic negotiations.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
