Anticipating Biden-Xi Summit: White House Plans Meeting this Month

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet later this month in San Francisco, according to the White House. An agreement in principle has been reached for this meeting. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the White House sees "intense diplomacy" as the most effective approach to managing competition. She also expressed optimism, stating that the meeting is expected to be constructive and that both presidents are eagerly anticipating it.

Jean-Pierre reiterated her confirmation of the meeting, but a White House official later specified that she was referring to the agreement in principle. On Wednesday, the official stated that they are currently arranging the logistics and coordinating efforts to ensure a productive meeting between the leaders.

Biden is scheduled to visit San Francisco on November 14 to lead a gathering of delegates from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for APEC Economic Leaders Week. This important meeting takes place while the White House is managing significant conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and amidst increasing rivalry with China as the US strives to reestablish consistent communication with Beijing after a period of tension. President Biden has consistently highlighted the clash between democratic and autocratic nations as a primary focus of his presidency. Additionally, trade and economic matters, as well as human rights concerns, will be key topics for discussion.

Biden has consistently emphasized the significance of in-person engagements with global leaders in his efforts to promote enhanced relationships.

US officials have refrained from officially confirming the encounter between Xi and Biden, indicating that preparations were being made. However, they mentioned that the Chinese government typically announces high-level meetings at the last moment.

Biden and Xi held a three-hour meeting in November 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, during a G20 Summit, aiming to improve their strained bilateral relationship. Nevertheless, tensions arose subsequently due to China's spy balloon and restrictions on US investments in China. This report includes contributions from CNN's Kevin Liptak.