In a pivotal meeting on the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, US
President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping gathered in San Francisco, reigniting a dialogue that
had been dormant for a year. The summit, laden with expectations, aimed to address a spectrum of
challenges ranging from military conflicts to the intricacies of artificial intelligence.

However, the profound economic disparities between the two global powerhouses suggested that substantial breakthroughs might be deferred to a future encounter.

The talks unfolded against a complex backdrop, with both leaders acknowledging the urgency of
discussing critical issues. From the contested regions of Taiwan and the South China Sea to the ongoing
Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the North Korean problem, and persistent human
rights concerns, the leaders grappled with topics that had defied resolution in the past

San Francisco, hosting the 21-member APEC summit, became the stage for a diplomatic dance fraught
with challenges. As Biden and Xi touched down in the city, the streets were lined with demonstrators
expressing both support and dissent towards China’s ruling Communist Party—an unusual sight for Xi,
who last visited the United States in 2017.

Biden’s approach to the summit was marked by a commitment to direct diplomacy, relying on a personal
relationship cultivated over a dozen years with Xi. This approach, he believed, held the key to salvaging
bilateral relations that had grown increasingly tense. The meeting occurred at a carefully chosen remote estate outside San Francisco, symbolizing security and serenity.

As the leaders engaged in lengthy discussions, Biden pressed Xi on multifaceted issues. He urged China
to leverage its influence to dissuade Iran from provocative actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, addressed
concerns about Chinese interference in foreign elections, and sought resolution for US citizens who believed to be wrongly detained in China. The discussions extended to tangible steps, with expectations for renewed staff-level conversations covering military communication, fentanyl control, artificial
intelligence, trade, and climate management.

Biden, at 80, navigated domestic challenges, seeking a second term amid concerns about the stability of
US democracy. Despite facing unpopularity at home, he leveraged alliances across Europe and Asia to
confront Russia in Ukraine, aligning with traditional allies while acknowledging differences over the
Israel-Hamas conflict.

Xi, a decade Biden’s junior, faced economic challenges as he tightened control over China’s policy, media,
and military. The country grappled with economic shifts, diverting from its three-decade growth
trajectory. Government officials across the region anticipated Beijing’s maneuvers, taking advantage of
perceived shifts in US focus on Ukraine and Israel to advance its own ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

In the summit’s discourse, Biden reassured Xi that US commitments in the Indo-Pacific remained
unwavering, emphasizing specific security assurances for allies like the Philippines. The meeting
underscored the delicate equilibrium in global diplomacy, where geopolitical intricacies required careful
navigation to pave the way for future cooperation and understanding.