President Joe Biden is set to meet with President Xi Jinping of China during an economic summit in San Francisco next month, according to the White House. The meeting between the leaders of the two great world powers, whose relationship has recently become increasingly hostile, marks a significant diplomatic moment.

The upcoming meeting follows a series of diplomatic visits aimed at thawing the U.S.-China relationship. It also comes on the heels of a productive week in U.S.-China relations, with California Governor Gavin Newsom receiving a warm welcome during his visit centered on climate cooperation, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaging in diplomatic discussions in Washington.

Confirming the meeting during a press briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described it as an important diplomatic conversation given the intense competition between the U.S. and China. The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting, scheduled for November 12-18.

The potential awkwardness between the two leaders cannot be ignored, as Biden previously labeled Xi as a dictator. Tensions between the two countries escalated earlier this year after a Chinese spy balloon crossed the continental U.S. and was shot down by an American military plane off the Atlantic Coast.

The ongoing political atmosphere surrounding China in the U.S. is expected to remain tense in the coming months, with the country being portrayed as a significant threat during the ongoing presidential contest. However, despite the challenges, various topics including trade, fentanyl, cybersecurity, technology, and foreign diplomacy could be on the agenda for the Biden-Xi meeting. The outbreak of war in the Middle East is also likely to be a focal point, given China's solid ties with Iran, a key funder of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The U.S. and China find themselves facing numerous challenges that have strained their once-amicable relationship and transformed it into one characterized by contentious competition. The loss of American jobs to China, as well as the Chinese origin of fentanyl precursors causing an epidemic in the United States, have fueled political tensions.

For Biden, the meeting occurs amidst his efforts to strengthen alliances in the broader Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of counteracting China's influence. The Pentagon has also expressed concerns about countering China's military, given its aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and the region as a whole.

Despite the contentious issues, climate cooperation appears to be a promising area for collaboration between the two countries. Governor Newsom's recent visit to China emphasized their commitment to work together on the matter.

While the Chinese Foreign Ministry has indicated that the meeting will take place, preparations are still needed, according to a spokesperson. The Associated Press, citing anonymous sources, reported that an agreement for the meeting was reached during Foreign Minister Wang's recent trip to Washington.

As Xi arrives in San Francisco, he faces challenges within his own country, including record-high youth unemployment, a troubled real estate market, and the sudden removal of two high-ranking officials in Beijing, including former Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

During Governor Newsom's visit to China, several Chinese officials expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-China relations, stating that the recent trend of deterioration has stabilized.

In conclusion, the Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco next month holds great significance as it provides an opportunity to address the contentious issues and work towards rebuilding the once strong relationship between the two nations.