US and China seek to ease strained ties and prepare for possible Biden-Xi summit

President Joe Biden could meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping (Evan Vucci/ AP)

In the midst of two active conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, the US is hoping to find common ground with China as China’s top diplomat visits Washington this week.

Over three days of meetings that begin on Thursday, top Biden administration officials, including possibly the president himself, will press Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on the importance of China stepping up its role on the world stage if it wants to be considered a responsible major international player.