President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 15th in San Francisco, marking what the White House views as the most important and consequential bilateral meeting of Biden's term. The highly anticipated meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, exactly one year since the two leaders last spoke face-to-face at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Amidst escalating global conflicts and direct tensions between the United States and China, the Biden administration recognizes the need for communication and cooperation. In acknowledging China's significant role as a major player on the world stage for the foreseeable future, a senior administration official stated, "We think diplomacy is how we clear up misperceptions, signal, communicate, avoid surprises and explain our competitive steps."

This notable meeting will mark the first time President Xi has visited the United States in six years, with his last trip being a lavish dinner meeting at former President Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, in 2017. San Francisco was chosen as the venue for this meeting to signify the administration's commitment to repairing the strained U.S.-China relationship, without granting Xi a prestigious trip to Washington.

The discussions between the two leaders are expected to cover a range of consequential bilateral and global security topics. Chief among them is the resumption of a direct military-to-military line of communication that was severed by China in August 2022, following a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Restoring this communication channel is seen as a crucial step in reducing tensions between the two nations, which have been strained by incidents such as the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon over U.S. territory earlier this year and confrontations in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Additionally, President Biden is expected to address other key issues, including the status of Americans detained in China, the outflow of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China, and concerns over artificial intelligence and election interference. The situation in North Korea will also be on the agenda, with a focus on urging China to help curb North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un's provocative missile launches and proliferation of weapons.

The administration also aims to engage with China on pressing matters in the Middle East, particularly China's growing ties with Iran. The United States seeks to emphasize the importance of preventing further escalation or spread of violence in the region and warns of a prompt response to any provocative actions taken by Iran.

President Biden's meeting with President Xi marks their eighth interaction since the start of his presidency and builds upon a relationship that has spanned over a decade, including their time serving as vice presidents. The White House views Biden's historical ties and experience with Xi as a valuable asset in managing the consequential bilateral relationship responsibly.

With the goal of stabilizing the relationship while supporting partners, alliances, and the American people, the Biden administration seeks to manage competition and prevent the risks associated with conflict. The meeting in San Francisco provides a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to engage in constructive dialogue and address the pressing issues affecting the U.S.-China relationship.

Overall, this bilateral meeting carries immense significance and could potentially shape the trajectory of U.S.-China relations for years to come. As the leaders convene in San Francisco, the world will closely watch the outcomes and implications of their discussions on various fronts, ranging from military and security cooperation to economic and diplomatic ties.