What will Joe Biden and Xi Jinping discuss in San Francisco?

US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to engage in a significant dialogue during their meeting in San Francisco, US today, November 15. The latter landed in the West Coast city on Tuesday, November 14 after almost six years, as reported by Xinhua.

The talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit aim to address a range of contentious issues that have strained the relationship between the two global powers of late.

Contrary to popular belief, Biden stated, "We’re not trying to decouple from China. What we’re trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

As Biden and Xi sit down for their first talks in a year, both are expected to bring distinct objectives to the table. Let's have a look at what the two would be talking about:

Issues

• The leaders are expected to discuss into topics such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea, and human rights, reported Reuters.
• Despite low expectations for immediate breakthroughs, both sides are looking to ease tensions in areas like military conflicts, drug trafficking, and artificial intelligence, experts related to the matter say.
• Biden is expected to urge Xi to use China's influence to prevent escalation in the Israel-Hamas war, reported Al Jazeera.
• Addressing the issue of fentanyl control, climate management and PLA interference in American institutions are also anticipated.

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White House spokesperson John Kirby said, "The table has been set over the course of many weeks."

• Biden, navigating the post-pandemic economic worries, aims to strengthen ties with traditional allies while asserting commitments in the Indo-Pacific.
• Xi, who is also facing economic challenges and tightening control domestically, is expected to test Washington's focus on Ukraine and Israel to pursue its Indo-Pacific ambitions.
• However, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng cautioned, "A good host needs to avoid creating any new trouble or obstacles,"

Protests in SF

• Demonstrators both for and against China's ruling Communist Party lined the route from the airport to the conference site, reflecting the complex sentiments surrounding the visit.
• Posters of "Frees Tibet" and "Free Gaza" could be seen along the road.

Ahead of the talks, Biden stressed his intention to improve bilateral relations and stressed the need for normalcy in communication. The summit follows months of high-level preparations, reflecting the complexities in the relationship as both nations grapple with issues ranging from trade to regional conflicts.