<\/p>\n
Xi is visiting Washington for the first time since 2015 amid tensions over trade, artificial intelligence (AI) and security.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Centre for Africa-China Studies Research Coordinator Dr Sizo Nkala said direct engagement between the leaders of the world\u2019s two largest powers was essential for global economic and security stability. \u201cIt\u2019s important that the leaders of the two most powerful countries in the world maintain personal contact through head-of-state diplomacy,\u201d Nkala said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cDespite the economic, security and geopolitical tensions between their countries, at least they are able to maintain strategic stability and lines of communication.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Nkala said the relationship was partly influenced by the personal interactions between Xi and US President Donald Trump, but substantial policy differences remained.<\/p>\n
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Trade is expected to feature prominently as existing arrangements intended to ease tensions approach expiry. Nkala said a new agreement could reduce uncertainty affecting both countries and the global economy.<\/p>\n
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AI is another important area because China and the US are competing for technological leadership. \u201cAI poses risks for global security,\u201d Nkala said. \u201cIt is important that they come to some kind of agreement as to how they govern or manage artificial intelligence technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Nkala said there was little room for compromise over Taiwan.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The US is required under domestic law to provide Taiwan with defensive support, while China regards weapons sales to Taiwan as a violation of Chinese sovereignty. \u201cThey are diametrically opposed on the issue of Taiwan,\u201d Nkala said. \u201cI do not see any resolution other than maintaining the current position.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The war in Iran could also feature prominently because of the effect on oil supplies and prices.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nkala said China would probably encourage faster negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore energy flows. \u201cIt will be at the top of the agenda,\u201d Nkala said. \u201cChina will try to encourage the US to speed up negotiations and come to some sort of agreement with Iran.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any improvement in US-China relations could have significant consequences for Africa.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nkala said trade restrictions had contributed to more Chinese products entering African markets because of reduced access to the US.<\/p>\n
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A trade agreement could therefore reshape commercial flows between China and Africa.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Developments in the Middle East could also affect African economies through energy costs and inflation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully, the two countries will come to a resolution on trade and on the Iranian war,\u201d Nkala said. \u201cThis will have a significant impact on Africa and other developing countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n
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