Currently, the relations between the United States and China are rather odd. They are apparently not improving although they are not so hostile as they used to be during Trump’s presidency. The US stated that it would impose new sanctions against China if necessary, adding that it did not fear retaliatory measures. Joe Biden and his administration more than once expressed discontent with China's shadow games in the world arena. Besides, the US accuses China of constant violation of international norms.
To smooth things over, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman traveled to China to set terms for responsible management of the US-China relationship. Some experts believe that Sherman also lobbied the possibility of a high-level meeting between the leaders of the two countries. This was the first official trip to China by a Biden Administration official. The negotiations were held on July 25 and 26.
Some people close to negotiations said that China gave the cold shoulder to the US representative. China’s government hinted that the US had to treat its panthers as equals. Otherwise, it would be impossible to repair already damaged relations.
Analysts made quite a curious observation as well. Beijing was rather cautious in its actions and words when Donald Trump was at the helm of power. And it is hardly surprising. Nobody knew what kind of president he would be. Trump's words and actions sometimes defied explanation. He was rather unpredictable and knew better than anyone which leverage to use against his opponent. Joe Biden, on the contrary, has been in the political arena for a very long time.
Biden himself made some statements about how well he knows Xi Jinping and how many face-to-face meetings he held with him during the times when both were vice presidents. However, Xi Jinping seems unwilling to organize a meeting with Mr. Biden. Curiously enough, Xi visited the US just two months after Trump became the president. He also violated protocol as it was America's turn to pay a visit to China.
Experts are sure that Xi is highly unlikely to go to the United States although it is his turn now. Biden will also abstain. Besides, China did not announce an official invitation. Perhaps they could meet on neutral territory, e.g. at some summit. The nearest one will be in Rome at the end of October.
