US President Joe Biden admitted on Sunday that he was in a “stronger” position ahead of Monday’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, after Democrats managed to retain control of the Senate. The majority in the House of Representatives was still open, but the wave of Republicans that some expected ultimately failed to materialize – despite being the favorites.
“I feel good and I look forward to the next two years,” Biden said while still in Cambodia, on the eve of meeting Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia – where the major absentee the Russian leader Vladimir is. Putin. “I know I come across as stronger,” he told reporters. “I know Xi Jinping, he knows me”, he explained, saying they always had “honest discussions.” The Chinese leader also arrives at the post-Congress meeting of the Chinese Communist Party in which he cemented his stature and opened the door to a historic third term as the country’s head.
However, expectations are low for this head-to-head, and a joint statement between the two isn’t even foreseen. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders in person since Biden arrived at the White House — they were together when he was vice president for Barack Obama. However, they have already maintained at least five contacts via videoconference – the last of which was in July, days before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan.
This encounter comes precisely at a time when the relationship between the two powers is more tense. Washington and Beijing disagree on just about everything from trade issues to human rights issues, to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Biden said he will try to draw “red lines” in the relationship with Beijing and learn what those same red lines are for the Chinese.
One of the topics the US president plans to discuss is North Korea, at a time when Kim Jong-un’s regime has conducted repeated tests of ballistic and intercontinental missiles – one closer than ever to South Korea landed and another flew over Japan. Analysts also believe that Pyongyang is preparing a nuclear test, its seventh and first since 2017. Beijing is Pyongyang’s main economic partner. Seoul, Tokyo and Washington promise a “strong and resolute response” if the North Koreans carry out such a test.
American Intermediates
The re-election of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, in Nevada, after strong opposition from Republican Adam Laxalt guaranteed that the Democrats will have at least 50 seats in the Senate and control this chamber for another two years – without having to wait for the second round in Georgia, December 6. In the event of a 50-0 tie, it will be up to Vice President Kamala Harris to break the tie.
The House of Representatives is still open. 211 Republicans and 203 Democrats have already been elected and the winner has yet to be declared in 21 races. “We still think we have a chance to win,” Pelosi said.
with authorities
Source: DN
