Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to work with incoming President Donald Trump, following his final meeting with current U.S. President Joe Biden. The two leaders met on Saturday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, acknowledging both “ups and downs” in their relationship over Biden’s four years in office.
Despite past tensions, both leaders highlighted achievements in easing friction over issues like trade and Taiwan. However, analysts warn that U.S.-China relations may become more turbulent when Trump returns to office in two months, citing his plans to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports.
President-elect Trump has promised to implement a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports and has named several outspoken China critics to key foreign and defense roles. During his previous term, Trump branded China a “strategic competitor,” and relations deteriorated further when he referred to Covid-19 as the “Chinese virus.”
At the meeting in Lima, Xi emphasized Beijing’s desire for stable ties with Washington. “China is ready to work with the new U.S. administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences,” Xi stated.
Biden stressed the importance of preventing strategic competition from escalating into conflict. “Our two countries cannot let any of this competition veer into conflict. That is our responsibility, and over the last four years, I think we’ve proven it’s possible to have this relationship,” he said.
Biden’s presidency experienced significant strains with China, including incidents like the spy balloon crisis and military displays near Taiwan in response to a senior U.S. official’s visit. China views Taiwan as a red line, asserting its claim over the self-governing island.
The Biden administration sought to “responsibly manage” U.S.-China rivalry following Trump’s initial presidency, though it maintained Trump-era tariffs, including those targeting Chinese electric vehicles and solar panels. Biden also strengthened defense partnerships across Asia to counter China’s regional assertiveness.
Analysts note that Beijing may be wary of Trump’s unpredictability. Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific Program, remarked, “The Chinese are ready to negotiate and deal, and probably hope for early engagement with the Trump team to discuss potential transactions. However, they are prepared to retaliate if Trump insists on higher tariffs.”
Glaser added that China may be concerned about lacking dependable communication channels to influence Trump’s policies. On Saturday, Biden acknowledged disagreements with Xi but noted that their conversations had been “frank” and “candid,” recalling three face-to-face meetings during his presidency, including a pivotal summit in San Francisco where both sides reached accords on drug control and climate change.
Biden’s administration also built alliances across Asia and reiterated that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if invaded, further reinforcing Washington’s stance on regional security.
