Low expectations, few outcomes: Biden departs APEC after meeting with Xi

President Biden’s Mixed Bag ‌of Results at APEC Forum

President Joe Biden’s recent participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has yielded a range of outcomes, leaving both ​positive ​and ‌negative impressions. From his high-profile meeting⁤ with Chinese President Xi Jinping to his off-the-cuff remarks during public‍ appearances, Biden’s time at APEC has⁣ been eventful.

While progress towards improved​ relations with China and the avoidance‍ of an international incident during next year’s election has been highlighted, there has been a lack of advancement on important issues ‍such as artificial intelligence and trade.

Low Expectations ​and Mixed Outcomes

According ‍to David Stilwell, a​ former State Department official, expectations for APEC and Biden’s meeting with Xi were low, resulting in “low” ‍outcomes. Stilwell ​acknowledged the agreements reached between Biden and Xi, including the resumption of‌ military ⁣communication and efforts to combat the production ‌and exportation ​of fentanyl‌ precursor chemicals. However, he questioned the significance‍ of these achievements, suggesting that ⁢the US may have made concessions to engage China in military discussions.

Matthew Goodman, director of the Council of Foreign Relations’s Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic ​Studies, disagreed with ⁢Stilwell’s assessment. Despite the absence⁤ of⁢ a joint statement, Goodman​ believed that the meeting between Biden and Xi went as well ‌as the White House ⁣could have hoped. He emphasized ⁣the positive visuals and outcomes related to military communication and fentanyl, without significant concessions from the US.

A ⁣Mix of Cordiality and Seriousness

The public appearances‌ of ⁣Biden and Xi displayed a mix of cordiality and seriousness. ⁤The leaders bonded over shared experiences, such as their​ past roles as vice ⁣presidents, ‌and engaged in ‍friendly ⁤exchanges. However, there were‍ also serious undertones, with⁣ Xi publicly criticizing​ Biden’s “protectionism” and expressing concerns about Taiwan and the South China⁤ Sea.

During the APEC CEO Summit, Xi pitched China as a partner and friend to influential⁢ figures such as Elon Musk, Jane Fraser, Darren Woods, and ‍Satya Nadella. Meanwhile, Biden emphasized the “real differences” between the ‌US ‌and China regarding economic fairness and intellectual property​ protection. He⁤ clarified that the US is not seeking to ⁢decouple from China but rather‌ to de-risk and diversify.

Biden’s Candid Remarks and Stance on Taiwan

Biden’s post-Xi ‍meeting press conference⁢ at Filoli Historic House and Garden was marked ‍by his candidness. When ​asked if he still considered Xi to be ⁢a dictator, Biden⁣ affirmed and described their relationship as⁣ one of “trust but verify.” China ⁣condemned these comments, but the leaders were later seen smiling and shaking hands before the end ⁣of APEC.

Regarding Taiwan,⁣ the White House reiterated the US’s One China policy and commitment⁢ to ⁤providing self-defense capabilities to Taiwan. The US emphasized the importance of⁣ maintaining the status quo and avoiding unilateral changes or the use of force.

Overall, President Biden’s ​participation in the APEC forum ⁤has generated a mixed bag ‍of results, with both positive and negative outcomes. While progress⁢ has been made in certain areas,⁢ challenges remain in areas such as artificial intelligence and trade.‌ The interactions between Biden​ and Xi showcased a combination of cordiality and seriousness, reflecting⁤ the⁣ complex dynamics between the US and China.

​How did President Biden’s ⁢off-the-cuff remarks ⁤during public appearances at APEC raise questions about his ability to communicate effectively in high-stakes diplomatic settings?

⁤ Ficantly addressing the potential concessions made.

Missed Opportunities

While progress was made in certain areas, there were missed opportunities for further advancements in important issues such as artificial intelligence ‌(AI) and trade. The APEC forum presented a platform for discussions on AI governance and regulation, an issue of growing ‌importance in the global economy. However, there was a‌ lack⁢ of substantial progress in this area, leaving ‌questions about the ⁤U.S.’s stance on AI‌ and its willingness to collaborate with other countries.

Trade was another area where expectations were not fully met at APEC. The ⁣ongoing trade tensions between⁤ the⁢ U.S.⁢ and⁢ China have had⁣ a significant impact on⁢ the global economy,​ and APEC was an opportunity for both countries to address these concerns. However, there was a limited discussion on trade issues, and no major breakthroughs were reported. This lack of progress raises concerns about the potential for continued trade disputes and their impact on global economic ​stability.

Off-the-Cuff Remarks

President Biden’s ​​off-the-cuff remarks ​during public ​appearances at ⁣APEC were another​ aspect that garnered attention. While his unscripted comments may ⁣have⁢ endeared him to some, they also raised questions about his ability to stay on message and communicate‌ effectively in⁣ high-stakes diplomatic settings. These remarks may have ​affected the overall image and credibility of the U.S. on the global ⁤stage.

Conclusion

President Biden’s participation in the APEC forum has yielded both positive and negative outcomes. While there were achievements in areas‍ such as ​improved relations with China and the avoidance of an international‍ incident, there were missed opportunities in important issues like AI and trade. Furthermore, President Biden’s off-the-cuff remarks during public appearances may have had an impact on the overall perception of his administration. As the U.S. continues to engage with⁢ the Asia-Pacific region, it‌ will be ⁤crucial for the Biden administration to address these mixed outcomes and ​work towards more tangible⁢ progress in key areas of mutual interest.