Biden, China's Xi to hold virtual meeting

“On Monday evening, the president will meet virtually with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China. The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align.”

The virtual meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to mark the most extensive talks between the two leaders to-date.

Washington and Beijing have been sparring on issues from China expanding nuclear arsenal... to Taiwan's rule... to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. officials believe direct engagement with Xi is the best way to prevent ties between the world's two biggest economies from spiraling toward conflict.

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki:

"There will be a broad range of topics that will be discussed. And the president is certainly not going to hold back on areas where he has concern.”

But Beijing is likely to avoid heated confrontation as Xi faces a crucial year ahead. He’s looking to secure an unprecedented third term as President… and Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics.

The U.S.-China meeting will come after Biden signs a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal on Monday… a bill that his administration believes will position the United States to out compete China.