Biden to Engage Xi in Talks on Israel-Ukraine Conflicts, Advocating for Diplomatic Resolution
Amidst global turmoil, President Biden's crucial summit with President Xi will take place against the backdrop of two major conflicts: the ongoing Ukraine-Russia dispute and the recent deadly Israel-Hamas war Expect discussions on containment and critical resolutions
During a significant summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the backdrop of global turmoil will be set by two ongoing major conflicts - the Ukraine-Russia conflict, now in its second year, and the Israel-Hamas war, which has entered its second deadly month.
Senior administration officials have revealed that members of the American and Chinese delegations in the San Francisco Bay Area will engage in intensive, multi-hour discussions on both conflicts. Biden and his national security advisers will endeavor to persuade their Chinese counterparts that it is in Beijing's best interests to utilize their influence with Russia and Iran to prevent the escalation of both wars.
The global unrest has intensified the significance of Biden's face-to-face meeting with Xi, their first in a year. As Biden tackles two pivotal conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, he is keen on enhancing relations with Beijing and preventing any further crises under his leadership. The US has been cautious in managing expectations for the talks, prioritizing the restoration of military communication and an agreement to address narcotics trafficking.
While exerting pressure on Xi, Biden's own ability to influence the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe is being tested, with Israel persisting in its attacks on Gaza's civilian infrastructure and Ukraine struggling to reclaim its territory after Russia's invasion 20 months ago. Despite unwavering support and substantial military aid from the United States, the desired outcomes envisioned by US officials have not been fully realized.
Prior to his departure for San Francisco, where he would meet with Xi and attend a summit of Pacific Rim leaders, Biden recognized the differences in the US and Israel's war strategy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding hospitals and expressing his desire for less aggressive actions. During his visit to California, the president intends to directly urge Xi to utilize China's unique partnership with Iran in order to heed the collective cautionary message from the Western world: refrain from exacerbating the situation.
"The president will emphasize our need for China to clearly communicate, within their growing relationship with Iran, the importance of Iran refraining from escalating or spreading violence in the Middle East," stated a senior administration official.
Reiterating the statements made by Biden and his top officials in recent weeks, the president intends to convey to Xi that "should Iran engage in any provocative actions, the United States is ready to respond promptly," the official further noted.
China's influence in Iran has augmented as both nations have discovered shared animosity towards the United States. China imports significant quantities of Iranian oil and has made considerable investments in the country, establishing a strategic partnership rooted in opposition towards American interests.
During the weekend, a high-ranking Chinese diplomat made a visit to Iran and reaffirmed Beijing's plea for an end to the conflict and condemnation of the loss of civilian lives.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Washington ahead of the Biden-Xi meeting prompted American officials to discuss the Middle East matter, urging China to adopt a more constructive stance towards the conflict. A senior administration official emphasized that given China's existing relationships in the region, they should utilize these connections to advocate for peaceful resolutions from all parties involved.
China's reluctance to condemn Hamas and its critical stance on the Gaza operation have left Israel disappointed. During a meeting with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Wang expressed his view that the military campaign went beyond self-defense.
As President Biden and his team gear up for their meeting with Xi on Wednesday, their main aim will not be to persuade China to back Israel's endeavors, but rather to urge Iran to avoid further escalation.
"US national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Monday at the White House that President Biden would emphasize to President Xi the destabilizing actions of Iran that undermine stability in the broader Middle East and are not in the best interests of China or any other responsible country.
The outcome of Biden's efforts on this matter during the summit remains uncertain. American officials have also acknowledged that it is improbable for China to cease purchasing sanctioned Iranian oil, similar to its continuous procurement of energy from Russia despite the implementation of western sanctions at the beginning of the Ukraine war."
US officials, despite China's strong economic ties with Russia, believe that Beijing may have some limited influence in the Ukraine war. From the beginning of the conflict, Biden has been trying to persuade Xi to refrain from supporting his ally, President Putin of Moscow. Both Russia and Iran share the goal of reshaping the American-led global order that they perceive as hostile to their interests. Xi and Putin have proclaimed an unrestricted partnership between their countries.
China has declared its neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and proposed its potential involvement in peacemaking, a proposition that Washington has viewed with doubt. The Biden administration has become more alarmed regarding the deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia, particularly due to North Korea's evident willingness to supply Russia with military resources.
To that end, in Wednesdays meetings, US officials intend to "underscore our continuing concerns around those provocations to China, who continues to be a substantial patron of North Korea."
