Biden and Xi to Hold Talks Before US Elections

The United States and China are preparing for a phone call between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, expected to take place in the coming weeks, according to the White House. This call is anticipated ahead of the US presidential elections in November. The plan was discussed during a two-day meeting in Beijing between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held at Yanqi Lake on August 27-28. Additionally, the two countries aim to arrange a conversation between their military theatre commanders soon.

The leaders last met during the Woodside Summit in California in November 2023. During the recent meeting, Sullivan and Wang engaged in candid and constructive discussions on a wide range of issues, including bilateral, regional, and global concerns. Both sides emphasized the significance of maintaining strategic communication channels established over the past 18 months, committing to ongoing high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations.

Discussions also focused on implementing commitments from the Woodside Summit, including counternarcotics efforts, military-to-military communications, and addressing risks related to Artificial Intelligence. The diplomats discussed steps to curb the flow of illicit synthetic drugs, the repatriation of undocumented migrants, and enhancing law enforcement cooperation. They also highlighted the importance of concrete actions to address the climate crisis, with further talks planned during an upcoming visit to China by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.

Sullivan stressed the US's intent to prevent the misuse of advanced technologies for national security purposes while maintaining trade and investment...