Washington, DC, November 14, 2023 — US President Joe Biden is set to address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict during his upcoming meeting with China's President Xi Jinping in San Francisco this week, as announced by national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday. The discussion will be part of the broader agenda at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where both leaders will delve into crucial international matters.
Sullivan highlighted that the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are among several topics on the agenda for the meeting. The talks aim to facilitate a productive exchange on complex geopolitical challenges and foster understanding between the United States and China.
President Biden's history with President Xi and their direct, straightforward conversations are seen as essential in managing the intricate relationship between the two nations, according to Sullivan. Face-to-face diplomacy, leader-to-leader, is considered by President Biden as indispensable in navigating the complexities of the US-China relationship.
For years, US officials have emphasized that China represents America's most significant geopolitical challenge, underscoring the importance of addressing key issues directly. Last month, President Xi called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, a move that the US has resisted, contributing to the broader complexities in the bilateral relationship.
President Biden, facing increasing pressure domestically and internationally regarding US support for Israel, has sought a balanced approach. While resisting calls for an immediate ceasefire, the administration has intensified efforts to increase aid to Gaza. Additionally, officials have advocated for humanitarian pauses to facilitate the flow of assistance into the enclave and allow civilians to evacuate amidst the ongoing conflict.
The upcoming meeting between President Biden and President Xi is anticipated to offer a platform for constructive dialogue on these pressing international issues, contributing to the ongoing efforts to address global challenges collaboratively.
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