As world roils, US and China seek to ease strained ties and prepare for possible Biden-Xi summit

By DIDI TANG and MATTHEW LEE
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the midst of two potentially world-changing conflicts, the U.S. is hoping to find at least a small measure of common ground with China as China’s top diplomat visits Washington this week. In meetings that begin 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 major international player. The U.S. officials are expected to urge China to play a constructive role in both the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars. The meetings could set the stage for a summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month.