TL;DR
Joe Biden views China as a strategic competitor that requires strengthened alliances, domestic investment, and targeted technological competition.
Key Points
The administration expanded export controls, aiming to restrict China's ability to procure or produce advanced semiconductors necessary for military modernization.
He emphasized diplomacy and rebuilding alliances, contrasting with the previous administration's unilateralism, with the goal of managing competition rather than seeking conflict.
The President secured agreements to resume critical military-to-military communications and dialogue on Artificial Intelligence safety following disruptions.
Summary
Joe Biden's administration characterized its relationship with China as one of strategic competition, distinct from outright conflict, viewing it as a defining struggle between democracies and autocracies. The core approach centered on a three-pronged strategy: strengthening alliances and partnerships, investing heavily in domestic industrial capacity through legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act, and imposing targeted export controls to limit China's access to critical advanced technologies, particularly in semiconductors. This policy largely continued the confrontational posture from the prior administration but sought greater multilateral coordination with allies in Europe and Asia to present a united democratic front.
Despite the competitive posture, the administration also prioritized maintaining open channels of communication to manage the rivalry responsibly and prevent escalation into confrontation. High-level meetings resumed between senior officials, including Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping, leading to modest stability and agreements on areas like counternarcotics, military-to-military communication, and addressing AI risks since late 2023. However, deep differences remain, particularly concerning Taiwan, unfair trade practices, and technology security, leading to ongoing friction and reciprocal measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joe Biden's core China policy is centered on 'managed competition,' framing the relationship as a significant rivalry between democracies and autocracies. He seeks to strengthen the U.S. position by investing domestically and aligning closely with allies, while simultaneously maintaining dialogue to prevent competition from spiraling into conflict.
The Biden administration largely sustained the tariffs imposed by his predecessor, despite criticizing them during the 2020 campaign. While continuing the trade restrictions, the administration also showed flexibility by extending certain exclusion periods while simultaneously adding new, targeted tariffs, particularly on strategic sectors.
Despite the overall competitive dynamic, the administration successfully re-established cooperation in specific areas following presidential meetings. Key achievements include renewed dialogue and coordination on counternarcotics, climate change efforts, and establishing channels to address risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Sources8
For the Biden Administration, It's All about Alliances…and China
Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China
Biden's Misguided China Policy • Stimson Center
US-China Relations in the Biden Era: A Timeline
How will the Biden administration's China policy be remembered?
President Xi Jinping Meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Lima
Biden or Trump: Both options are worrying for China. Global Affairs.
Reviewing U.S.-China Relations During Biden Era: Finding Some Modest Stability
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.