\\Biden and Xi’s Final Summit in Peru: Navigating Tensions Amid a Shifting U.S. Presidency\\

As U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet for a pivotal final discussion at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, escalating tensions over cybercrime, trade, Taiwan, and Russia cast a shadow over their efforts to ease U.S.-China relations before Donald Trump’s return to the White House.  

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Peru's President Dina Boluarte at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, November 15, 2024.

This meeting, the first between the two leaders in seven months, occurs as Pacific Rim leaders gather to assess global implications of Trump's impending presidency. Biden, keen to reinforce stability during the transition, faces new strains with Beijing over several contentious issues:  

Cybersecurity: Washington is angered by a China-linked cyberattack targeting U.S. government officials and campaign staff.  

Taiwan: Tensions are mounting over a planned stop by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te in the U.S., which Beijing views as a provocation.  

Trade: U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology investments and exports are further straining economic ties.  

Russia: China's ongoing support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict continues to concern the Biden administration.  

Donald Trump’s return to power, scheduled for January 20, 2025, has created additional uncertainties. Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese imports and the appointment of hawkish figures like Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State signal a more confrontational U.S.-China policy.  

As tensions with Washington persist, Xi Jinping is strengthening China’s influence in Latin America. His agenda includes inaugurating Peru’s Chancay deep-water port, signing a new trade agreement, and planning a state visit to Brazil. U.S. officials worry about potential Chinese military and intelligence expansion in the region, but Beijing dismisses such concerns as baseless.  

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for clarity and predictability during the U.S. leadership transition. Biden is expected to stress cooperation, warning against destabilization in U.S.-China relations during this critical period.  

Analysts suggest that China seeks to use this meeting to maintain calm as Trump’s policies take shape. Shen Dingli, an international relations expert in Shanghai, noted, “China does not want relations with the U.S. thrown into turmoil before Trump formally takes office.” 

Meanwhile, Ryan Berg of the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted Xi's regional ambitions: “Xi’s Latin American engagements aim to shift perceptions, not just with the U.S. government but also with American business leaders.”  

The Biden-Xi meeting represents a crucial moment to manage tensions and ensure a stable transition in U.S.-China relations. Yet, with Trump’s imminent presidency and China’s expanding footprint in Latin America, the geopolitical stakes remain high.