**Biden and Xi Confront U.S.-China Relations Amid New Challenges**

Reporting from Lima, Peru – President Joe Biden met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Saturday, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, as U.S.-China relations face increasing uncertainty. This meeting likely marked Biden's final chance to directly engage with Xi before Donald J. Trump, who has promised a tougher stance on Beijing, returns to the presidency in January.

Throughout Biden's tenure, efforts were made to avoid overt conflict with China through diplomatic channels and communication. However, Xi's actions indicate Beijing’s limited interest in placating Washington. American officials are particularly concerned about China's growing ties with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin and recent cyberattacks by Chinese hackers targeting the U.S. telecommunications system.

Furthermore, China’s military activities around Taiwan and its aggression in the South China Sea have alarmed U.S. officials. Ahead of the meeting, Biden’s aides revealed plans to address China’s threats against Taiwan, human rights violations, and support for Russia amid its war in Ukraine. Additionally, there were intentions to discuss transforming a Kenya-led security mission in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping mission, a move opposed by China.

With Trump’s return, China is also bracing for heightened tariffs on its exports. Trump has named hardliner Senator Marco Rubio as his nominee for secretary of state, signaling a potential escalation in U.S.-China tensions. Although Biden continued some tough policies from the previous Trump administration, including tariffs and restrictions intended to curb China’s military advancements, his administration attempted to stabilize relations following incidents like the Chinese spy balloon incident and Biden’s remarks calling Xi a "dictator."

Despite attempts to strengthen ties, fierce competition between the countries was evident at the APEC meeting. China's investments in Peru, including a new Chinese-funded port, have raised national security concerns in Washington. As Biden exits the scene, managing the complex U.S.-China relationship will soon fall to the incoming Trump administration.