Dear Focus Reader,

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has agreed, in principle, to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco—at least according to the White House. While the meeting has not yet been confirmed by Beijing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the intention for the meeting, which was followed by another senior Biden official clarifying, "There is an agreement in principle to meet in San Francisco in November. We are still working through important details needed to finalize those plans." Jean-Pierre also emphasized the significance of this diplomatic conversation, characterizing the current state of U.S.-China competition as "intense" but expressing optimism that the meeting will foster a constructive dialogue.

This meeting would mark the first in-person contact between the two leaders since their encounter in November at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. It would follow recent diplomatic outreach from both sides, including visits to Beijing by senior U.S. cabinet officials and climate envoy John Kerry, as well as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's recent trip to Washington.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom concluded a visit to China on Sunday, where he focused on subnational collaboration, particularly on climate issues. The trip culminated in a meeting with Xi, where Newsom encouraged the Chinese leader to attend the APEC summit, setting a more conciliatory tone for the impending Biden-Xi meeting.

Stay up to date on our latest Focus content, including topics on the recent diplomatic visit by China's Foreign Minister to the U.S., the U.S.'s evolving post-Cold War peace strategy, historic symbolism behind China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Southeast Asian countries are navigating Sino-American strategic challenges.

Additionally, watch out next week for more exclusive content covering these vital subjects and beyond from our upcoming Hong Kong Forum on U.S.-China Relations. This significant gathering on November 9-10th will convene key figures from government, business, and civil society to delve into discussions regarding the bilateral relationship and broader global issues. We're excited to welcome luminaries like Charlene Barshefsky, Max Baucus, Stephen Roach, and other renowned experts. For further details, check out hkforum.com.

- Team Focus