In an effort to mend strained relations following the US Air Force’s interception of a Chinese spy balloon off the South Carolina coast, President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The highly anticipated meeting will take place in the magnificent gardens of the Filoli estate near San Francisco. As both nuclear powers seek to find common ground and enhance economic cooperation without jeopardizing their stability, this encounter aims to address the diplomatic fallout from recent incidents.
Public Opinion Shift:
While President Biden’s mission to repair ties with President Xi is underway, he faces the challenge of a diminished public view of China. Recent Gallup polls indicate that only 15% of Americans currently hold a favorable opinion of China, the lowest recorded since tracking began in 1979. The decline in sentiment can be attributed to the relocation of US manufacturing jobs to China, xenophobic rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, for which some US leaders have held China responsible.
Navigating a Divergent Public:
President Biden’s efforts to rebuild US engagement on the global stage come at a time when a segment of the American voting public leans towards isolationism. This pushback against international commitments was manifested during debates over extending funding to Ukraine for defense against Russia’s aggression. Similarly, the President faces pressure, largely from within his party, to temper his support for Israel’s defense against Hamas and Iran-backed groups, given the escalating casualties in Gaza.
Preserving a US-led World Order:
Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President for Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, highlights that President Biden’s overarching goal is to safeguard and preserve the US-led world order. Although isolationist voices exist within both the Democrat and Republican voter base, they form a vocal minority. Schanzer predicts that the divide within the Democratic Party over foreign policy direction will continue to widen, particularly with ongoing events in Israel.
Shifting Sympathies:
Long-term polling by Gallup reveals that sympathy for Israel among Democrats has declined in recent years. This trend culminated in more Democrats expressing sympathy towards Palestinians than Israelis in previous polls. However, when considering broader American sentiment, a majority of Americans still tilt towards Israel compared to Palestinians. While the support gap has slightly narrowed in recent times, President Biden’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may position him favorably in a general election.
Balancing Support and Diplomatic Discourse:
The United States has demonstrated its support for Israel by mobilizing ammunition, military planning, and redirecting naval and air forces to the region. President Biden, while reaffirming his commitment to Israel’s defense, has also conveyed gentle admonitions. Notably, he emphasized the need to protect hospitals in Gaza and urged Israel to consider a ceasefire to secure the release of hostages. Brett McGurk, the US Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is also engaging with Israel, raising important points about civilian protection and addressing extremist settlers in the West Bank.
Looking Ahead:
Although President Biden’s meeting with President Xi bears significance, it is essential to approach it with realistic expectations. While specific incidents, such as the spy balloon or trade imbalances, have contributed to deteriorating relations, deeper issues involving China’s actions, including human rights concerns, regional threats, and trade transgressions, persist. Experts caution that a single meeting cannot single-handedly reverse the course of a relationship fraught with complex challenges.
President Biden’s meeting with President Xi Jinping holds the promise of repairing diplomatic rifts and forging a new path for US-China relations. However, the task at hand goes beyond a singular encounter, as it also involves reshaping public opinion and navigating America’s internal political landscape. As the world watches, the outcomes of this meeting will undoubtedly shape the future geopolitical dynamics between these two global powers.
Market Capital Research 