U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a political setback from the midterm elections.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on November 11. During the call, Wang stated, "China's policy towards the United States maintains stability and continuity, and China hopes to strengthen communication with the U.S. and appropriately handle sensitive issues to promote a constructive strategic stable relationship between the two countries." The details of Rubio's remarks and the specifics of Wang's comments were not disclosed.
This call took place ahead of the scheduled meeting between President Trump and President Xi on November 18-19 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China. The two sides are believed to have coordinated the agenda for the summit and ways to manage bilateral relations.
A key agenda item is the management and control of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has indicated that both countries will advance discussions on AI risk management. Amid escalating competition for AI dominance, issues such as technology safety, military applications, and access to advanced semiconductors are likely to be discussed. Additionally, the expansion of China's purchases of U.S. agricultural products, rare earth exports, and U.S. technology regulations on China are also significant issues.
Notably, the political situations of both leaders are important variables for this meeting. The Democratic Party in the U.S. gained control of both the Senate and the House in the midterm elections held on November 3. Having lost congressional control, President Trump will face Democratic oversight in future legislation, appointments, and executive policies. This could increase pressure on his China policy.
In contrast, President Xi reaffirmed his leadership during the fifth plenary session held from October 26-29. The meeting's communiqué emphasized the need to fully implement Xi Jinping's thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and to rally more closely around the Party Central Committee led by Xi. As the 21st Party Congress approaches in 2027, Xi's political foundation for a fourth term is seen as strengthening. China has refrained from making official assessments regarding the U.S. midterm election results, labeling them as internal affairs. However, with President Trump's political burdens increasing, Xi may be able to negotiate from a relatively stable domestic power base.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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