Who Holds the Cards at Upcoming Biden-Xi Meeting

Written by Anthony Constantini

What’s happening: President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at the upcoming APEC summit, where they will reportedly agree to at least re-open military communications. China suspended military talks last year in protest of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

Why it matters: Open communication between American and Soviet Union militaries during the Cold War averted potential misunderstandings. China's military is increasingly more active around the world and the ability to quickly and clearly communicate is crucial to avoiding conflict.

Other agreements: Biden and Xi are likewise expected to announce an action against Chinese fentanyl currently destroying lives across the American heartland. China meanwhile is hoping for Biden himself to stay out of Taiwan’s independence question, even after Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America does not support independence.

• Keep in mind: Biden has declared four times that America would defend Taiwan from Chinese attack — and each time, administration officials have been forced to awkwardly walk his claims back.

Between the lines: America wants a deal here more than China does. American attempts to communicate with the communist government have repeatedly gone unanswered, and Team Biden cannot and has not done much to stop Chinese fentanyl production.

What else China wants: It’s not all rosy for the communists, however. While China is increasingly growing economically, the U.S. is still the top dog — and Biden’s plan to limit American investments in China has clearly rattled CCP leadership.