Trump unlikely to follow Biden’s advice on China – and it could change the world

As the two most powerful countries in the world, the relationship between the United States and China is the most important of all bilateral relations.

Any changes in interactions and behaviors on either side not only impact security, economic activity and trade in Washington and Beijing, but also affect the rest of the planet.

President Xi Jinping chose to make this point publicly by saying hello – and probably goodbye – to Joe Biden When the two men met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Peru, in what was probably their last face-to-face before the American leader hands over the keys to the White House to Donald Trump.

“As two major countries, China and the United States should keep the interests of the whole world in mind and inject more certainty and positive energy into a turbulent world,” Xi said. speaking through a translator.

“I firmly believe that as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, a stable China-US relationship is essential not only to the interests of the Chinese and American people, but also to the future and destiny of the “all humanity.”

Mr. Biden, whose relationship with his counterpart spans not only his four years in office but also his time as vice president under Barack Obama, also emphasized the importance of dialogue.

“We have not always agreed, but our conversations have always been frank and frank,” he said, sitting at a long table, surrounded by his aides, with Mr. Xi across from him.

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“I think it’s vital. These conversations avoid miscalculations and ensure that competition between our two countries does not escalate into conflict. Be competitive, not conflict.”

Even though it is clearly aimed at him, Mr. Trump is unlikely to heed this advice.

He has consistently criticized the Biden administration for being too soft on Beijing and has pledged to be much tougher – even saying he would impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.

The president-elect’s picks for top White House posts, such as Sen. Marco Rubio, a China hawk, as desired secretary of state, and Rep. Mike Walz, as national security adviser, also indicate a toughening of the American position towards Beijing. which is on the verge of overtaking Washington as the world’s leading superpower.

This moment of reorganization of global domination – something the UK was forced to absorb when the sun set on the British Empire – is about to happen, regardless of who occupies the White House.

But a more hostile and combative commander in chief in the White House is making this time increasingly perilous for everyone.

Perhaps this is why the current leaders in Beijing and Washington are so keen to emphasize that while their feelings toward each other vary, the ability to keep talking is essential.