Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday expressed his readiness to work with the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump to ensure a “smooth transition” in bilateral relations.

Xi’s comments came during a meeting with outgoing US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru.

The meeting, held at Xi’s hotel in Lima, was overshadowed by concerns of escalating tensions as Trump prepares to assume office in January with a team known for its strong stance on China.

"China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation, and manage differences to strive for a smooth transition of the China-US relationship," Xi stated in translated remarks.

Key points of tension

The Biden-Xi meeting addressed a range of sensitive issues, including trade disputes, Taiwan, and Beijing’s support for Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Biden emphasized the need for stability, remarking, "Our two countries cannot let competition veer into conflict. Over the last four years, I believe we have proven this relationship can be managed constructively."

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan later noted that Biden stressed the importance of maintaining stability during the transition period, adding that the outgoing president was not a “conduit” for any backchannel messages to Trump.

The meeting also touched upon Biden’s concerns over China’s support for Russia's defense sector and North Korea’s deployment of troops to aid Moscow. The White House readout highlighted Biden’s “deep concern” regarding these developments, which are perceived as fueling global instability.

Trade and protectionism

The specter of Trump’s return to the White House loomed large over the discussions. Trump’s previous administration engaged in a bruising trade war with China, imposing tariffs that Beijing retaliated against. During his campaign, Trump threatened new tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports, signaling a potentially confrontational approach.

Xi, in pointed remarks during the APEC summit, urged the US to foster global stability, saying, “China and the United States should inject more certainty and positive energy into the turbulent world.”

Climate concerns and shifting priorities

Climate change emerged as another pressing issue as Biden prepares to attend the G20 summit in Brazil next week. The outgoing president has championed international climate accords, but Trump’s promises to withdraw from such agreements have heightened global concerns.

Biden, who is set to visit the Amazon rainforest during his stop in Manaus, Brazil, ahead of the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, aims to highlight his administration's commitment to combating climate change.

APEC summit backdrop

The Biden-Xi meeting followed a two-day summit of the 21-member APEC group, which included leaders from Japan, Canada, Singapore, and Australia. Russia was represented by a deputy prime minister, underscoring its reduced engagement on the global stage amid the Ukraine conflict.