Biden has the edge on Xi; it’s time to talk

Chinese leaders appear eager for

Mr Antony Blinken’s forthcoming visit to Beijing

– the first by a US Secretary of State in 4½ years – to be a success. That is largely because they face steep challenges: a massive wave of Covid-19 deaths, a faltering economy, a shrinking and ageing society, and widening suspicion and hostility abroad. They could use the breathing room that a reset in relations with the United States might offer.

US President Joe Biden has just as much reason to seek a rapprochement, though – not out of weakness, as his Republican critics are sure to howl, but because his policies are working.