‘Mr. Biden has pledged to galvanize a coalition to confront the economic, diplomatic and military challenges that China poses. China clearly foresaw the potential threat.’

‘China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has in recent weeks made deals and pledges that he hopes will position his country as an indispensable global leader, even after its handling of the coronavirus and increased belligerence at home and abroad have damaged its international standing.’

• ‘A trade pact with 14 other Asian nations, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.’
• ‘A pledge to join other countries in reducing carbon emissions to fight global warming.’
• ‘Now, an investment agreement with the European Union, the “Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.” ’

‘In doing so, he has underlined how difficult it will be for President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. to forge a united front with allies against China’s authoritarian policies and trade practices, a central focus of the new administration’s plan to compete with Beijing and check its rising power.’

• ‘The image of Mr. Xi joining Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France and other European leaders in a conference call on Wednesday to seal the deal with the European Union also amounted to a stinging rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts to isolate China’s Communist Party state.’

‘Around September, Mr. Xi showed renewed interest in wrapping up discussions for the European investment agreement, which had been dragging on for seven years.’

• ‘Only months before, a deal seemed all but dead amid rising animosity toward China in Europe.’

‘A breakthrough came after the American presidential election.’

• ‘Mr. Trump showed disdain for America’s traditional allies in Europe and Asia.’
• ‘But Mr. Biden has pledged to galvanize a coalition to confront the economic, diplomatic and military challenges that China poses.’

‘China clearly foresaw the potential threat.’

• ‘In early December, after phone calls with Ms. Merkel and Mr. Macron, Mr. Xi pushed to finish the investment agreement with the Europeans.’