The meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden has “echoes” of Vladimir Putin’s political strategy ahead of his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, an analyst has warned Daily Express US.
The summit comes amid soaring tensions between the US and China over issues including Beijing’s claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Joe Biden will ask Xi Jinping to tamp down on anti-US rhetoric while China will ask the same of the US, according to geopolitical analyst Kervin AuCoin.
In addition, a reboot in military communications is essential amid a series of close calls between China and Western powers, Mr AuCoin said.
He added: “Now, honing in on the military ties reboot? It’s not just a nod; it’s a neon sign flashing ‘We need to talk’.
“Both sides want to tighten the screws on communication, a must-have in the Indo-Pacific. You’ve got strategic interests colliding there, and the goal is clear – cut the risk of accidental military showdowns.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the leaders will discuss “strategic, general and directional issues concerning China-US relations, as well as major issues concerning global peace and development”.
But it’s unclear if the talks will have the desired effects – Mr AuCoin says it reminds him of Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic strategy before he invaded Ukraine in 2022.
He added: “But here’s where it gets interesting. The vibe of this meeting? Reminds me of Putin’s prelude to the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Not saying history’s repeating itself, but the echoes are there.
“A seasoned eye would keep tabs on the nuances, and see if this is a game-changer or just another chapter in the diplomatic dance.
“Xi could be biding his time making it look to US officials that he is calming the rhetoric while at the same time ramping up efforts for the invasion of Taiwan.”
John Bolton: China’s ‘moment’ to take over Taiwan is now
Putin and Joe Biden met in Switzerland in June 2021 just eight months before he launched a full-scale Ukraine sending relations between the West and Russia plummeting to lows not seen since the Cold War.
A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could play out differently. The US has vowed to come to the democratically-run island’s aid in the event of an attack, although it’s unclear what form this would take.
But with the US stretched thin supporting both Israel and Ukraine, there have been concerns about its ability to support an ally on a third front should the Indo-Pacific spiral into conflict.
While Biden and Xi attempt to achieve a breakthrough while meeting in San Francisco, Mr AuCoin warned: “Don’t hold your breath.”
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