As Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President Joe Biden in the United States, questions arise about the state of China's economy. Reports suggest that cracks in the Chinese economy have widened in recent years, with a sluggish post-Covid recovery and a credit crisis in the property market. The country's long-predicted structural slowdown is finally being felt, leading to uncertainty and a lack of confidence among foreign investors and businesses. Youth unemployment has skyrocketed, and there is a growing sense of ennui among young Chinese.

In addition to economic challenges, President Xi is also facing internal issues within his power structure, with unexplained disappearances of key leaders raising questions of corruption or political purges. All of these challenges contribute to a sense that President Xi is in a more vulnerable negotiating position as he meets with President Biden.

The outcome of this meeting is uncertain, with expectations of major breakthroughs low. However, it raises questions about how China's economic struggles will impact its ability to address issues such as climate change and human rights. As the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China's actions on climate change are crucial. And as calls grow for the international community to take a stronger stance on China's human rights violations, the state of China's economy could have implications for future diplomatic efforts.