US President Joe Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, are about to have their first meeting in a year, with key issues including military talks, Taiwan, Russia’s war in Ukraine, trade and domestic politics on the agenda.

Up for Discussion: A possible focus during their meeting concerns military-to-military talks.
* Previous high-profile US visits to Taiwan resulted in China suspending significant military dialogue. Analysts warn lack of communication risks misunderstandings over areas like the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait.
* Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at think tank Defense Priorities, suggested this could have an impact on both sides’ perspectives and approaches.

Foreign Affairs: The Taiwan question and Russia’s war in Ukraine are likely to be key topics.
* Xi has warned not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan, whilst Biden has suggested US support for Taiwan if China invaded. Analysts predict this discussion will be heated, especially given Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election.
* Xi’s comments and perceived alignment with Russia over the Ukraine conflict have been criticised in the US. In addition, China’s claimed neutrality in the Israel-Hamas war, and potential influence in its future developments via its relations with Iran, will likely be discussed.

Trade and Exchanges: Xi is expected to speak to US business executives while in San Francisco, potentially expressing a desire to draw American businesses back into the Chinese market.
* Analysts are also expecting Biden to press China on its role as a supplier of chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid causing concern in the US.

Political Landscape: Domestic politics in both countries may also play a large part in discussions and outcomes.
* While both leaders have enjoyed recent success, they also face significant challenges. Xi is contending with fallout from an end to COVID controls, public protests, and a struggling economy. Biden faces improving but still low approval ratings and potential electoral competition from Donald Trump.
View original article on NPR
This summary was created by an AI system. The use of this summary is subject to our Terms of Service.