Biden and Xi to Discuss North Korea-Russia Ties at Final APEC Meeting
President Joe Biden is expected to press Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea’s growing ties with Russia during their final meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru. Biden aims to urge Xi to dissuade North Korea from providing support to Russia, particularly in the context of military aid amid the war in Ukraine. Together with South Korea and Japan, he expressed concern over the destabilizing impact of North Korea’s actions on regional security.
In the context of final diplomatic engagements, President Joe Biden is set to address Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the growing collaboration between North Korea and Russia. This meeting is scheduled to occur on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, and represents Biden’s last opportunity to influence Xi before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Biden aims to pressure Xi into taking a more active role in persuading North Korea to diminish its support for Russia amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. During a previous trilateral meeting with South Korea’s President Yoon Seok Yul and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Biden condemned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for dispatching troops to aid Russian military efforts. Biden accompanied his remarks with a call for increased Chinese engagement to mitigate the tension on the Korean peninsula, highlighting the concern that Pyongyang’s actions could destabilize the region further. White House officials have expressed disappointment with China’s limited actions in helping control North Korea, which relies heavily on Chinese trade. The upcoming discussions will also cover other pressing international issues, including China’s indirect support for Russia, Taiwan, and human rights concerns. With the possibility of a significant policy shift under President Trump looming, Biden’s discussions are not only critical for immediate geopolitical dynamics but also for the future of Sino-American relations. The White House has noted that the transition to Trump’s administration will bring its own complexities, particularly concerning U.S.-China relations and military tensions, especially regarding Taiwan and contentious areas in the South China Sea. The potential for conflict remains high, making this meeting particularly salient in the context of overarching international diplomacy.
The meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping takes place against the backdrop of increasing tensions due to North Korea’s growing ties with Russia. North Korea has supplied military support to Russia, notably during its conflict with Ukraine, and heightened missile testing. The United States, alongside its allies Japan and South Korea, has voiced significant concern regarding these developments and the implications they bear for regional stability. In this context, Biden hopes to leverage his final meeting with Xi to rally support for curbing North Korean aggression, all while navigating an uncertain transition period in U.S. leadership post-election.
In conclusion, President Biden’s imminent discussions with President Xi aim to address the critical issue of North Korea’s cooperation with Russia amidst geopolitical upheaval. Given the upcoming leadership transition to President Trump, the meeting is of paramount importance, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. The dialogue will not only seek immediate resolutions but also establish a framework for future U.S.-China relations in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
