President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday afternoon in their first face-to-face conversation since a Chinese spy balloon traversed the United States last spring. The meeting comes as Biden celebrates recent Democratic victories in the off-year elections, which he sees as a validation of his agenda.
Speaking at a fundraiser in San Francisco on Tuesday, Biden candidly assessed China, saying that the country is “having real problems.” He also highlighted his administration’s efforts to reestablish American leadership in the world, citing the upcoming meeting with Xi as an example.
Biden’s upbeat tone reflects the Democrats’ recent wins in Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia, which have bolstered the party’s confidence ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The president credited his agenda for the victories, saying that it is not only popular but also winning elections.
In addition to discussing climate change with Xi, Biden is also expected to announce deals on the resumption of military-to-military communication and fentanyl. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to ease tensions between the two superpowers and address some of their most pressing challenges.
Biden’s solo press conference following the meeting will be closely watched for any insights into the discussions with Xi. The president is expected to provide updates on the deals reached and outline his administration’s approach to China moving forward.
