President Joe Biden is set to have his final meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. The focus of the meeting is expected to be on urging China to discourage North Korea from supporting Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Biden, along with South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressed concern over North Korea’s involvement in assisting Russia against Ukrainian forces. They condemned this cooperation as dangerous and destabilizing.
The North Koreans have reportedly provided military support to Russia, including artillery and munitions, raising alarm in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. North Korea has also been conducting ballistic missile tests, heightening tensions in the region.
Apart from discussing North Korea, Biden and Xi will also address other issues such as China’s support for Russia, human rights, technology, and the status of Taiwan. The relationship between the US and China under the incoming Trump administration is also a point of uncertainty.
There are concerns about the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan, which could have catastrophic consequences. The Chinese military’s activities in the South China Sea and the East China Sea are also areas of contention, with frequent skirmishes reported.
The meeting between Biden and Xi is seen as a significant moment as Biden prepares to leave office after more than 50 years in politics. The relationship between the two leaders has had its challenges, including issues related to cybersecurity and technology transfer to Russia.
Overall, the meeting between Biden and Xi is crucial for addressing regional security issues and setting the tone for future US-China relations. The outcome of this final meeting will have implications for the stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.
