Panda diplomacy with China falls short on Biden-Xi summit priority list
The Leaders of the World’s Two Largest Economies to Discuss Various Topics, Excluding Pandas
Talks between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco are generating immense anticipation amidst the heightened tensions between their respective countries. Interestingly, these discussions coincide with the departure of the beloved giant pandas from Washington’s Smithsonian National Zoo, as they make their way back to China.
Will Pandas Be a Topic of Discussion?
During a press conference aboard Air Force One, a reporter asked National Security Council coordinator John Kirby if President Biden would inquire about pandas and the possibility of acquiring more for the United States. However, the answer was a resounding no.
“We’re sorry to see the pandas go,” Kirby expressed. “But obviously that was a sovereign decision by the [People’s Republic of China], and of course, we have to respect that.”
Kirby and President Biden were en route to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which is set to host an impressive gathering of 20,000 CEOs and heads of state in San Francisco this week. The city’s mayor, London Breed, has projected that the conference will inject nearly $53 million into the local economy, potentially revitalizing it.
A Highly Anticipated Meeting
Undoubtedly, one of the most eagerly awaited events at the summit will be the meeting between President Xi and President Biden. Both leaders will undoubtedly hope for a successful outcome that benefits their respective nations.
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Last week, the beloved giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their 3-year-old cub, Xiao Qi Ji, departed from the United States for China. Their departure occurred nearly a month earlier than originally planned. The pandas embarked on their journey aboard the FedEx Panda Express, bound for the China Wildlife Conservation Society. The future of the panda exhibit is still being determined, but it is expected that Smithsonian leaders will handle the decision-making process without the involvement of President Biden.
Why are pandas excluded from the agenda of the high-stakes dialogue between the United States and China?
Scussions are poised to touch upon a wide range of topics, excluding one curious subject – pandas.
The meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies comes at a critical juncture. Relations between the United States and China have been strained in recent years, marred by trade disputes, geopolitical competition, human rights concerns, and differences in ideologies. As both nations strive for economic dominance and political influence on the global stage, finding common ground becomes increasingly challenging. The outcome of this high-stakes dialogue could have far-reaching consequences for both countries and the world at large.
The exclusion of pandas from the agenda might strike some as peculiar, given their symbolic significance in fostering diplomacy between the two nations. Pandas have long been viewed as ambassadors of goodwill, a symbol of friendship between China and the world. China has used panda diplomacy to build relationships, sending pandas to various countries as a gesture of goodwill and in exchange for political and economic favors. However, excluding this topic suggests a more serious focus on pressing matters that directly impact the relationship between the two nations.
The talks are expected to cover a broad range of topics, including trade, technology, climate change, human rights, and regional security. The economic aspect of the conversation is likely to take center stage, as ongoing trade tensions have significant implications for both countries’ economies. The Biden administration seeks to address trade imbalances, Chinese intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and market access restrictions, while China aims to safeguard its economic interests and ensure fair treatment in international trade.
Technology, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity and intellectual property, is another crucial area the leaders are expected to discuss. Cyberattacks originating from China have been a cause for concern globally, and the United States will likely demand increased transparency and accountability in this regard. Intellectual property theft allegations against China have also been a persistent issue, with the US pushing for stronger protection of intellectual property rights.
Climate change is an area where the two nations could potentially find common ground. With the United States rejoining the Paris Agreement and China becoming the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, cooperation on this front is crucial for global climate efforts. Finding ways to collaborate and reduce emissions could pave the way for increased trust and cooperation in other areas.
Human rights will likely be another critical topic, with the United States expressing concerns over China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, crackdowns on Hong Kong’s autonomy, and curbing of civil liberties. Balancing the pursuit of economic interests and geopolitical influence with the promotion of human rights and democratic values remains a complex challenge for both nations.
Regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, is also expected to be on the agenda. The US and China have been competing for influence in this strategically important area, with the United States bolstering its alliances and partnerships to counter China’s assertiveness. Addressing regional security concerns and avoiding escalation of tensions will be crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
The exclusion of pandas from the agenda reflects the seriousness and complexity of the issues at hand. While pandas have played a role in fostering goodwill between the two nations, their absence allows for a more focused and substantive discussion on critical matters that directly impact the relationship between the United States and China.
As the leaders of the world’s two largest economies engage in these talks, the world will be watching closely. The outcomes of these discussions will not only shape the future of US-China relations but also have far-reaching implications for the global order. Both nations bear the responsibility of finding common ground, understanding their differences, and forging a path towards cooperation and stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
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