Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco on November 15, 2023 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting to meet with United States (US) President Joe Biden for a summit. Upon his arrival at San Francisco International Airport, Xi was warmly welcomed by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, California Governor Gavin Newsom and other US representatives. In addition, the enthusiasm with which the Chinese people residing in the United States welcomed Xi is another important detail captured on camera.[1]
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is an international organization that aims to promote trade, investment and economic development cooperation among countries around the Pacific Ocean. APEC was established in 1989 with 12 member countries and has since increased its membership to 21 countries. APEC’s member countries include major economies, leading countries in the Asia-Pacific region and important trade actors. Members include China, Japan, Russia, the United States, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Indonesia and other Asia-Pacific countries.
The main objective of the organization is to promote regional economic integration and cooperation, reduce trade and investment barriers, promote sustainable development and boost economic growth. APEC’s activities are generally focused on trade and economics and do not include military issues. APEC members account for a large share of the world’s population and a significant share of global trade. This points to APEC’s potential to have a significant impact on the global economy.
It is unlikely that the meeting between Biden and Xi will lead to a significant immediate change in US-China relations. However, the two powers have been engaged in high-level official interactions in recent months. It emphasizes the progress on the “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework” following Biden’s withdrawal from the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” policy, which became a popular rhetoric of former US President Donald Trump. It is expected that the open and free Indo-Pacific discourse will form an important framework for the meeting between the two leaders.
Representatives from the US and China have recently met more frequently in an attempt to improve relations. However, experts predict that even the meeting between Biden and Xi at APEC is unlikely to change the direction of US-China relations.[2]
Although Biden and Xi’s meeting at the APEC summit did not immediately lead to a significant change in US-China relations, it is a continuation of the high-level official interactions that have taken place in recent months. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US was noteworthy for both its diplomatic and economic dimensions.
The enthusiastic reception of Xi Jinping by the Chinese people is an important detail that shows the impact of this meeting on public opinion. Moreover, the warm welcome given to Xi by prominent figures such as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizes the formality of this meeting.[3]
Although APEC is a platform that promotes economic cooperation among countries around the Pacific Ocean, it is unlikely to have an immediate impact on resolving deep-seated issues between the US and China. Although APEC seeks to promote regional economic integration, such platforms often focus more on trade and economics and have limited capacity to resolve strategic political issues.
Biden’s effort to highlight progress on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework after the Trump-era withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership may reflect an effort to increase US influence in the region and provide a counterbalance to China’s regional influence. However, these efforts should not be expected to bring immediate change with the APEC meeting.
APEC’s strength lies in its ability to promote cross-country cooperation, especially on economic issues. However, resolving the deep political and strategic disagreements between the US and China will require broader diplomatic efforts rather than such an economic forum.
In conclusion, while APEC is an important platform for enhancing regional economic cooperation, it is unlikely to be effective in resolving the core issues between the US and China. Navigating relations between the two great powers will require broader and deeper diplomatic initiatives.
[1] “Xi Arrives in US For Talks With Biden, APEC Meeting”, China Daily, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202311/15/WS6553f8daa31090682a5ee22f_1.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 15.11.2023).
[2] “What to Expect from the APEC Summit in San Francisco”, VOA, https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/what-to-expect-from-the-apec-summit-in-san-francisco/7353028.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 15.11.2023).
[3] Aynı yer.
