The president of the United States, Joe Biden, is preparing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco next week. The aim is to stabilize the bilateral relationship, a goal confirmed by two White House officials. The discussions are framed as a step toward clarity and steadiness in areas where both nations intersect on the global stage.
The sit-down is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, and will occur on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. This marks the first in-person meeting between Biden and Xi on American soil and the second since Biden assumed office in 2021. Officials emphasize that the encounter is about maintaining channels of communication and reducing the risk of misperceptions in a climate of competition.
One official noted that the United States is in competition with China but is not pursuing conflict or a new Cold War. The precise tone and parameters of the talks will focus on keeping dialogue open and extending it into multiple domains, including diplomacy, military channels, and intelligence-sharing arrangements where appropriate.
Both leaders are expected to discuss broader bilateral ties as well as regional considerations in the Asia-Pacific, along with international issues such as the war in Ukraine, the conflicts in Israel and Gaza, and global efforts on climate change and counter-narcotics cooperation. The agenda also includes thornier subjects where there are known differences, notably human rights, trade matters, the South China Sea, and ensuring fair treatment for American companies and workers. This framing was conveyed to reporters by the officials.
During the talks, Biden is anticipated to raise concerns about any strategic rapprochement between North Korea and Russia and to reiterate the importance of stable relations with North Korea within a broader effort to curb regional escalation. Pyongyang, described as a significant ally of China by one official, remains a focal point in Washington’s diplomatic thinking, and the president is prepared to discuss avenues for constructive engagement with Pyongyang.
Another key message will be directed toward Iran. The administration plans to urge Beijing to convey a clear warning that Washington stands ready to respond decisively to any actions that escalate or spread violence in the Middle East. The aim is to signal resolve while maintaining a channel for diplomatic diplomacy on volatile regional issues.
On the sensitive matter of Taiwan, Biden intends to reaffirm U.S. support for the region and express concern about heightened military activity nearby. Officials described the stance as a warning about actions that could threaten regional peace and stability, while also underscoring the desire to avoid sharp confrontations that could destabilize cross-strait relations.
According to the officials, the White House views the meeting realistically. They highlighted that past attempts to shape or reform China have faced setbacks and that a pragmatic approach toward dialogue is essential to prevent further fraying of ties. The discussions follow a period of renewed engagement, including earlier visits by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing and subsequent visits by senior U.S. officials, which have laid groundwork for the current high-level talks.
The first Biden-Xi encounter took place about a year earlier, during a G20 summit held in Bali, Indonesia. Xi Jinping’s last trip to the United States occurred in 2017, when she visited the Florida residence of then-President Donald Trump and engaged in conversations that influenced the trajectory of U.S.-China relations during the Trump years. The upcoming meeting is viewed as a chance to reset expectations and build a framework for steady cooperation on shared interests while acknowledging persistent differences.
Observers note that the outcome will depend on concrete steps and durable channels for ongoing dialogue. The aim is to reduce volatility in the relationship by clarifying red lines, identifying areas for cooperation, and agreeing on mechanisms to manage disagreements without letting them escalate into broader tensions. The outcome will be watched closely by markets, policymakers, and publics across North America and beyond, as both powers shape the international order in the coming years. (Attribution: White House officials and recent public briefings)