During his first visit to the U.S. in six years, Chinese President Xi Jinping secured several diplomatic successes in his meeting with President Biden. Key agreements were reached on issues like fentanyl control, military communications, and artificial intelligence. However, these gains came amidst concerns about China’s domestic challenges and international relations, particularly regarding economic slowdown and human rights issues.
by Emma Sullivan
President Xi Jinping’s recent meeting with President Biden in the United States marked a significant diplomatic venture. This visit, Xi’s first in six years, was highlighted by a series of achievements, notably agreements on fentanyl control, military communications, and artificial intelligence. These agreements were primarily initiatives sought by the U.S., indicating a cooperative stance from China. Xi’s visit also aimed to ease bilateral tensions and attract foreign investors amid China’s economic challenges and a decrease in foreign direct investment.
Xi’s promises of cooperation, particularly on the fentanyl issue, led to the U.S. dropping sanctions against a Chinese public security institute, which had been implicated in human rights abuses against Uyghurs. This move, however, raised concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to human rights issues in China. Critics argue that this could undermine the credibility of U.S. sanctions and moral authority on human rights issues.
Furthermore, the meeting saw an agreement to resume military dialogues, previously halted following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan. While this development could lower tensions, experts remain skeptical about its impact on changing China’s military behavior in contested regions.
Despite these diplomatic advances, President Xi also faced domestic pressures, including a slowing economy and political intrigues within the Communist Party. His rhetoric suggested a desire for peaceful coexistence with the U.S., positioning China as a willing partner and friend. This stance was likely influenced by the need to manage China’s crucial economic and political relationships, especially given the growing scrutiny of China’s investability and international conduct.
Xi’s visit to the U.S. yielded significant diplomatic outcomes, reflecting a pragmatic approach to U.S.-China relations amidst global transformations. However, these gains are contextualized by China’s internal challenges and the ongoing scrutiny of its role on the global stage.
(Associated Medias | FAD) – All rights reserved.