Biden and Xi Conclude Final Meeting with Agreements on AI and Nuclear Safety.

 

In their last encounter before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a two-hour meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, Peru. The discussion, marking the end of their 15-year diplomatic relationship, covered critical issues, including artificial intelligence (AI) control in nuclear weapons systems and the release of detained U.S. citizens in China. Biden also urged Xi to influence North Korea to reduce its support for Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The leaders reached a significant agreement on nuclear safety, pledging to prevent AI from making decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons. The breakthrough was notable, as previous U.S. efforts to engage China in dialogue on nuclear arms control had been met with resistance, especially following a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan earlier this year. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed the deal, highlighting that both nations agreed on maintaining "human control over nuclear decision-making."

China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in nuclear weapons use and expressing a desire for increased dialogue with the United States. The Chinese side reiterated its opposition to a "new Cold War" and cautioned against attempts to contain China, calling such efforts "unwise and bound to fail."

During brief public remarks, both Biden and Xi stressed the importance of maintaining stability in U.S.-China relations. Xi, speaking through a translator, noted the need for both countries to bring "certainty and positive energy" to a turbulent global environment. Biden emphasized the value of in-person dialogues in preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that competition does not escalate into conflict.

The meeting marked a departure from the tense atmosphere of their previous encounter at the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco, which was overshadowed by the Chinese spy balloon incident. On that occasion, Biden had abruptly ended the session and publicly referred to Xi as a "dictator," escalating tensions between the two nations.

Ahead of this year’s meeting, U.S. officials had downplayed expectations, cautioning that no major deliverables were anticipated. However, the unexpectedly constructive dialogue suggests an effort by both sides to make progress before Trump’s impending presidency, which is likely to bring a more confrontational approach to China.

Trump has signaled a shift from Biden's strategy of "managing competition" with China, promising tough measures, including increased tariffs. His Cabinet picks, such as Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Congressman Mike Waltz for National Security Adviser, indicate a more hawkish stance toward Beijing.

In response to Trump’s electoral victory, China’s reaction has been cautious, with Xi sending a brief congratulatory message. However, in a subtle nod to the incoming administration, Xi warned against "vicious competition" and the potential fallout of a more adversarial relationship.

Despite the looming uncertainty, Xi expressed a willingness to engage with the new U.S. administration. He highlighted China's commitment to maintaining a "stable, healthy, and sustainable" bilateral relationship and expressed hope for a smooth transition.

Following the meeting, Biden chose not to hold a press conference, a departure from his previous engagements with Xi. Instead, Jake Sullivan addressed the media, acknowledging that the transition to the new administration was a topic during the talks. He noted that Biden was focused on ensuring a smooth handover and maintaining stability in U.S.-China relations as Trump prepares to take office.