President Joe Biden aims to steady the US-China relationship in an upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Reports from RIA News, citing a senior US administration official, indicate the White House intends to pursue a path that lowers tensions while safeguarding the interests of American allies, partners, and the American people. The goal is clear: pragmatic diplomacy that keeps channels open and avoids needless escalations.
A White House spokesperson signaled that the talks will emphasize building steadier bilateral ties. The official stressed that any stabilization effort should serve both the United States and its partners. This framing points to a practical approach that balances strategic competition with the need for predictable, reliable communication between the two powers. The emphasis is on creating conditions for stable dialogue alongside continued cooperation where interests align.
The discussions are expected to span broader regional and international flashpoints, including the conflict in Ukraine, the evolving Russia-Middle East situation, and their implications for global security. The Biden-Xi dialogue at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is planned to address these critical issues, signaling a comprehensive agenda that goes beyond trade and diplomacy alone.
Axios, citing multiple sources, reported that the leaders may announce a resumption of direct military contacts between the United States and China during the summit. A tangible step toward reducing the risk of miscommunication or miscalculation in tense moments, such an announcement would reflect a commitment to practical, executable measures that strengthen strategic stability. The timing underscores the urgency many observers place on making diplomacy more reliable and enforceable.
Earlier in the week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that preparations are underway for a Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco, underscoring the administration’s ongoing commitment to high-level engagement with Beijing. The plan is to push diplomacy forward at a moment when both sides appear eager to prevent a slide toward greater confrontation while protecting core national interests. The ongoing dialogue aims to preserve space for cooperation on shared challenges and to manage disagreements in a responsible manner.
In public commentary, President Biden has described China in stark terms, calling it a potential ticking time bomb to reflect the volatility and high stakes in the bilateral relationship. The current push for direct talks seeks to transform that volatility into a more predictable, managed relationship that supports security, economic interests, and shared responsibilities on the global stage. The approach prioritizes safeguarding American values, protecting allies, and maintaining responsible competition that benefits global stability.