Renewal of dialogue does not mean Biden has gone soft on China

Through engagement from a position of strength, U.S. can advance policy goals

Nathaniel Sher

February 27, 2024 17:00 JST

Presidents Joe Biden, left, and Xi Jinping in California in November: Washington's use of diplomacy signals confidence in its ability to engage Beijing from a position of strength. © Reuters

Nathaniel Sher is a senior research analyst in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's China research center.

Since the U.S. and China reopened high-level communication channels last summer, a slew of commentators has criticized the administration of President Joe Biden for "softening" its approach to China.