Trump and Xi aim for a phone conversation today
In a significant development, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold a phone call this Friday, marking the second such conversation since Joe Biden took office. The call comes amidst a complex web of geopolitical issues that have long plagued the relationship between the two superpowers.
The proximity of China to Russia, military tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially near US allies Taiwan and the Philippines, are contentious issues between Beijing and Washington. These matters, along with reciprocal punitive tariffs, technology, and chip deliveries, are expected to be on the agenda for the upcoming discussion.
Experts do not anticipate major breakthroughs from the call, but speak of possible 'tactical stability.' This is not unexpected, given Xi Jinping's reputation as a cool-headed strategist who only engages in talks when results are certain. On the other hand, Joe Biden is known for his diplomatic approach and often prefers to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Chinese government sent an invitation to Joe Biden to visit Beijing months ago, according to Der Spiegel. However, it remains unclear if this invitation will be revisited during the call.
One of the key points of contention is the ongoing TikTok crisis. Joe Biden is expected to address this issue during the call, aiming to resolve the standoff surrounding the popular video-sharing app. However, China has stated it will not yield to Joe Biden's demands and is prepared to engage in forceful trials with the US.
Representatives from both countries have made progress in discussions about possible solutions to the TikTok crisis in a meeting in Madrid earlier this week. Despite this, China analyst Henrietta Levin warns not to expect too much from the call regarding TikTok.
In a move that could escalate tensions, Xi has potential painful countermeasures against the US, such as export restrictions on rare earths. China's signalling of toughness suggests that Xi is not expected to bend to Joe Biden's will and has possible countermeasures in reserve.
The most significant aspect of the US-China summit phone call is that the two most powerful men in the world, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, are communicating. This communication, while not guaranteeing resolution, is a fundamental step towards maintaining contact and potentially working towards a more stable relationship in the future.
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