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“Intense Diplomacy”: Biden & Xi to Meet amid US-China Tensions

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet for their first face-to-face summit since the two leaders came to office. The proposed summit has raised hope that relations between the two largest economies in the world can be normalized and partially restore diplomatic relations that have been strained in recent months. Both leaders have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to a constructive dialogue between the two countries. Moreover, both countries stand to benefit immensely from an improved relationship. For the United States, renewed ties with China could result in new economic opportunities and possible access to much needed resources. For China, there is an opportunity to increase trade ibilateral investment and cooperation in a range of areas such as global efforts to combat climate change and interact on trade, security and other issues. However, it remains to be seen whether the summit can help the two countries overcome serious issues that have caused significant rift between the two countries. These include US sanctions over alleged human rights abuses, Chinese plans for a new security law in the contested South China Sea, American efforts to prevent Chinese influence in global technology issues and the current situation with the Uighur minority in China. It is also uncertain whether the Biden-Xi summit will represent an end to the tariffs imposed on goods by both countries. Most analysts expect Biden to emphasize his commitment to shifting US-China relations towards a more inclusive approach. In any case, it is certain that the summit will be a forum for intense diplomacy and compromise. Ultimately, the Biden-Xi meeting is an opportunity for the two countries to resolve differences and build trust. The diplomatic process is sure to be long and complex, but the summit will certainly be a positive step in the right direction. It may also provide the forum for the two countries to reduce the current frictions and create the path towards stable and mutually beneficial diplomatic ties.