Plans Reportedly Underway For Biden To Meet In Person With Chinese President

Shelby TalcottAugust 12, 2022

Plans are reportedly underway for a face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The meeting would occur in November to coincide with Xi’s possible trip to Southeast Asia, according to the WSJ, which cited “people familiar with the preparations.” The trip is still in the works and would come after the Chinese president’s rumored announcement to seek a third term.

Xi – following the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party – will reportedly travel to Bali, Indonesia for the G20 summit on Nov. 15-16 and then visit Bangkok, Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit two days later, the WSJ reported.

U.S. President Joe Biden holds virtual talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 18, 2022. The White House/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A White House official noted to the newspaper that there have been discussions regarding a face-to-face meeting, but declined to offer specifics.

China’s Foreign Ministry told the WSJ that the country “supports Indonesia and Thailand” as hosts for the upcoming summits and that China “is willing to work with all parties to promote the conference to achieve positive results.”

The meeting, if it occurs, would mark the first time Xi and Biden have met in person since the American president took office. Xi’s trip would also be notable, as the last time he traveled outside of China was in early 2020, according to the WSJ.

The potential November meeting coincides with ongoing and increased tensions between the U.S. and China. These tensions were exacerbated when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on August 2.