Navigating the Complexities: Biden and Xi Seek Clarity and Trust in a Tense Relationship

President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping are set to meet for talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Both leaders have clear objectives for the meeting, including managing economic competition, preventing misunderstandings, reopening military-to-military communications, and addressing concerns over Taiwan and Iran. Biden aims to assure Xi that the US seeks a healthy economic relationship with China, while also warning against Chinese interference in the upcoming US presidential election. Xi, on the other hand, wants assurances from Biden that the US will not support Taiwan independence, start a new cold war, or suppress China's economic growth. Both leaders hope to bring stability to the US-China relationship, but major breakthroughs are not expected.