The ongoing tumultuous relationship between the United States and China is poised for a pivotal moment as the presidents of both nations are scheduled to convene for a face-to-face meeting, marking the second such encounter since Joe Biden assumed office.
This summit holds exceptional significance, occurring before the onset of the U.S. presidential election cycle. A firm stance against China, the world’s second-largest economy, remains one of the few areas garnering bipartisan support. Against this backdrop, President Biden, eyeing reelection, is positioned to navigate this complex relationship.
Michael Hirson, Head of China Research at 22V Research, emphasized the paramount importance of expanding dialogue to mitigate risks and forestall an unwelcome crisis. “Managing flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea requires astute handling,” he stated. “This meeting holds particular weight, given the politically charged landscape of 2024, commencing with Taiwan’s pivotal presidential election in January and culminating in the U.S. presidential election.”
Over the past few years, U.S.-China tensions have steadily escalated, originating from tariffs during the Trump administration and expanding into broader tech restrictions under the Biden administration.
Notably, a controversy emerged in early February concerning an alleged Chinese spy balloon within U.S. airspace, underscoring the fragility of relations. This incident led to the suspension of already limited high-level talks between the two nations.
In April, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, released a report characterizing the U.S.-China relationship as trapped in a deteriorating cycle. The report highlighted a stalemate leading to escalating tensions beyond the typical ‘security dilemma,’ where defensive actions by each side inadvertently exacerbate insecurity for the other, prompting further responses in kind.
