White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby indicated that the contemplated meeting between President Joe Biden of the United States and President Xi Jinping of China would occur at a moment deemed appropriate for such high level talks. The goal, according to Kirby, is to ensure that any dialogue unfolds in a moment that carries the right context and potential for constructive engagement.
Kirby noted that Xi Jinping is currently occupied with a demanding schedule, having just completed the National People’s Congress in Beijing and now engaging with operations in Moscow as part of an official visit. This frame of activity underscores the need to choose the timing of any direct discussions with care, balancing domestic political considerations in China with urgent bilateral issues on the global stage.
In recent days, President Biden has reiterated his interest in keeping lines of communication open with Xi and signaled openness to a second exchange via telephone or video conference. The president expressed a positive attitude toward the possibility of renewed negotiations with the Chinese leader in the near term, while avoiding any firm timetable for when such talks might occur.
Earlier remarks from the Biden administration suggested a preference for a prompt interaction with Xi Jinping in the wake of ongoing concerns over cross-border incidents and a broader effort to stabilize bilateral relations. The administration has emphasized ongoing diplomacy as a core tool for addressing shared interests and potential points of contention, including trade, security, and regional stability across the Asia-Pacific region.
Xi Jinping’s current presence in Moscow is part of a broader diplomatic engagement with Russia, reflecting recent developments in the geopolitical landscape and the evolving dialogue among major powers. While in Russia, Xi is pursuing discussions with President Vladimir Putin on topics spanning security, economic cooperation, and regional influence, which in turn informs how Washington calibrates its own approach to China.
As the global community monitors these high-stakes exchanges, officials in Washington and Beijing remain focused on maintaining open channels for communication. The aim is to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and miscalculations, safeguard international norms, and explore avenues for collaboration on issues ranging from climate and public health to food security and technology governance. The timing of any Biden-Xi meeting will likely reflect both sides’ assessment of the current geopolitical climate and the potential benefits of direct engagement for global stability.