Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Joe Biden to refrain from involving Washington in disputes over the Spratly Islands during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, on Saturday. The islands, a source of longstanding tensions, are the subject of a maritime dispute between China and the US-aligned Philippines.
Xi’s Stance on US-China Relations
Xi reiterated Beijing’s rejection of the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea.
“When the two countries treat each other as partners and friends… our relationship would make considerable progress,” Xi said, adding that adversarial behavior would “roil the relationship or even set it back.”
The meeting, the first between the two leaders in seven months, lasted about two hours and included discussions on trade, Taiwan, cyberattacks, and North Korea’s role in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Key Topics Discussed
Taiwan Tensions
- Biden criticized China’s military actions around Taiwan as destabilizing.
- Xi responded by denouncing Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s “independence activities,” labeling them incompatible with peace.
- Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed gratitude to Biden, calling China the primary threat to regional stability.
Cybersecurity Concerns
- Biden raised issues of Chinese-linked cyberattacks targeting US officials, which Xi denied, according to Chinese state media.
North Korea’s Role in Ukraine
- Biden expressed concerns over North Korea’s deployment of troops to aid Russia, urging Beijing to use its influence to prevent further escalation.
Trade Disputes
- Xi criticized US restrictions on investments in Chinese tech sectors and export limits on advanced computer chips, which Biden defended as necessary for national security.
Bilateral Goals and Challenges
Xi emphasized China’s readiness to work with the incoming US administration of Donald Trump, pledging to maintain stable relations amid “ups and downs.” Both leaders acknowledged the need for open communication, particularly during the transition period.
The meeting also highlighted growing concerns over China’s influence in Latin America, where Xi is engaging in a week-long diplomatic tour, including trade deals and infrastructure projects in Peru and Brazil.
As China prepares to host the APEC Summit in 2026, the implications of Trump’s return to power in January 2025 loom over ongoing diplomatic efforts.