The “Biden-Xi Meeting” in Lima: Tensions and Shadows – What Will They Discuss at the G20?

President Biden meets with Xi Jinping, urging the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to cease destabilizing military activities around Taiwan. (Video screenshot)

[People News] At the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, President Biden is expected to meet with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader again. However, they already held talks on the evening of the 16th at Xi Jinping’s hotel in Lima. During this meeting, Xi’s tone was mechanical and tinged with sorrow. His statements combined conciliatory pleas with veiled threats, indicating that no substantive progress is likely during the G20 Summit discussions.

Recalling the conciliatory remarks made by the CCP leader to Biden, such as, “Major powers should not build small yards with high walls” and “Treating each other as rivals or adversaries will only disrupt China (the CCP)-U.S. relations...” He also stated the need to continue exploring the “correct path for peaceful coexistence between the two major powers” to achieve “long-term peaceful coexistence” between China and the U.S. Perhaps fearing that relations with the U.S. are about to plunge into another low, he indirectly expressed hope regarding Trump’s (referred to as “Trump” below) return to office: “China (the CCP) is ready to maintain communication with the new U.S. administration, expand cooperation, manage differences, and strive for a smooth transition in China-U.S. relations...”

Biden, after addressing a range of issues over the past four years and beyond concerning the CCP, discussed topics anticipated in the article published on the 15th, “What Will the CCP Leader and Biden Discuss in South America? Experts Preview Key Points.” These included the CCP’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its cyberattacks, threats to Taiwan, and human rights issues. Biden emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea and East China Sea. He reiterated U.S. opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, expressed deep concern over China’s continued support for Russia’s defense industry, and voiced apprehension about China’s unfair trade policies. He also stressed that the U.S. would continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced American technologies from being used to undermine the national security of the U.S. or its partners. Additionally, Biden highlighted the importance of human rights and the responsibility of all nations to uphold their commitments in this regard. He expressed serious concerns about China’s ongoing cyberattacks targeting critical civilian infrastructure and threatening the safety of Americans. On key issues, the U.S. displayed the unwavering assertiveness of a global power.

Meanwhile, the CCP’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its account of the Lima Biden-Xi meeting, used typical party rhetoric to praise Xi for having “pointed the way forward for the development of U.S.-China relations.” It then adopted a condescending tone, issuing a series of stern and vaguely threatening demands to the U.S.: There must be a “correct strategic understanding.” Commitments must be kept, and actions must follow words. Both sides must treat each other as equals and avoid crossing red lines or bottom lines. Dialogue and cooperation should be prioritized to meet “the expectations of the people” (which, in this context, clearly refers to the CCP). Both nations must “demonstrate the responsibility of major powers.” Efforts must continue to “build and strengthen U.S.-China relations.”

The statement warned:“Cooperation benefits both sides, while conflict harms both.”“A new Cold War cannot and will not be won.” U.S. containment of China (the CCP) is “unwise, impractical, and bound to fail.” The U.S. should support “China’s (the CCP’s) unification of Taiwan,” avoid interfering in bilateral disputes over the Spratly Islands, and refrain from encouraging or supporting provocations. The CCP will not allow chaos or conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

The CCP leader’s “demands” not only sought to excuse and justify some of its past questionable actions but also signaled an intention to continue its characteristic approach without admitting defeat.

Interestingly, the CCP leader seemed to use this meeting as an opportunity to send a message to Trump, implicitly pleading, “Please don’t suppress the CCP in the future.” This reflected both a submissive tone, revealing fear, and a reactive posture, lashing out under pressure. Much of this performance was staged for the benefit of world leaders attending the G20 Summit in Brazil next week, projecting the image that “The CCP is strong and does not bow to the U.S.” At the same time, the CCP hopes Trump also takes note of its bottom lines: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, its political system, and its right to development.

However, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan clarified during a press briefing following the Biden-Xi meeting that President Biden’s role at the summit was not to convey messages from Xi to the incoming U.S. administration.

"President Biden did not deliver any messages on behalf of anyone," Sullivan said. "President Biden pointed out an obvious fact: that there will be a new administration on January 20. He also emphasized that the next two months are a critical transition period for the U.S. government and a crucial time to maintain stability in U.S.-China relations."

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as of Sunday local time, world leaders, including the CCP leader, U.S. President Biden, French President Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, had arrived at the G20 Summit venue. However, Xi’s close ally and key figure in the Russia-Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin, was absent. On October 18, 2024, Putin stated that his attendance would “destabilize the working group,” which may be related to the International Criminal Court’s earlier arrest warrant against him.

This year’s G20 theme is “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” Discussions are set to focus on three main priorities: Social inclusion and the fight against hunger. Energy transition and sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental spheres. Reform of global governance institutions.

The topics of conversation between world leaders, particularly between Biden and Xi, and any new developments that emerge, are drawing significant attention. Let’s wait and see what unfolds.