Recent US-China Diplomatic Exchanges
This week marked a series of high-profile interactions between the United States and China, starting with a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. This was in the wake of an agreement on the TikTok app's operations in the US, highlighting Trump's interest in retaining the support of young voters. A delegation of US lawmakers visited China, marking the first such visit since 2019. New visa categories and climate commitments also featured in the discussions.
TikTok Operation Framework
- Trump described the call with Xi as "very productive," covering topics such as trade, fentanyl smuggling, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the TikTok deal.
- Trump extended TikTok’s compliance deadline to December 16, with provisions for divesting US operations and ensuring US majority ownership.
- ByteDance Ltd. and its affiliates to hold less than 20% of TikTok's US entity.
- Approximately 170 million Americans use TikTok, highlighting its significance in US-China relations.
US Lawmakers' Visit to China
- Led by US Representative Adam Smith, the bipartisan delegation met with Chinese officials to "open up the lines of communication."
- Military communications between US and China were suspended in August 2022 after Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, but resumed in August 2023.
- Despite resumed communications, there remains a downward trend in broader US-China relations.
China's Climate Commitments
- China announced a 7-10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 from peak levels.
- The announcement is seen as modest given the global climate challenges.
- China's investments in green technology and renewable energy continue to lead globally.
In conclusion, these interactions and commitments reflect ongoing efforts to manage the complex US-China relationship, with significant implications for global issues like technology, military communications, and climate change.
