**Biden to Confront Xi Jinping at APEC Summit**

President Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday during a global summit in Peru, officials from the White House confirmed on Wednesday. This critical face-to-face encounter provides Biden with a pivotal opportunity to directly address key issues with Xi, including cybersecurity breaches, threats to Taiwan, human rights abuses, and China's support for Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.

This meeting marks the first in-person interaction between Presidents Biden and Xi since their last summit in California a year ago. That previous meeting had been portrayed as a positive step towards mending relations following heightened tensions earlier in 2023, which peaked when the United States shot down a Chinese spy balloon over American territory.

White House officials anticipate that President Biden will not shy away from addressing contentious topics during discussions with Xi. However, they also hope to highlight the significance of renewed direct communications between both governments, including military channels. Biden aims to manage what he has described as the world's most consequential relationship by fostering competition rather than conflict.

The timing of this summit is crucial, as President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to take office with promises of a much harsher stance on China, including imposing extensive tariffs on Chinese products entering the U.S. market. This has led analysts to forecast a potentially tumultuous period ahead for U.S.-China relations.

Biden's visit to Peru for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will be followed by a brief visit to the Amazon and attendance at the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro. Discussions with Xi are expected to reflect on the cooperative achievements between the United States and China over the past four years, amidst the backdrop of shifting global dynamics.