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Joe Biden holds call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in latest effort to ease tensions over Taiwan, fentanyl, AI and election interference
President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping engaged in a significant phone call on Tuesday morning, marking their first direct conversation in nearly five months. The dialogue aimed to alleviate tensions between the United States and China, the two foremost nuclear powers in the world. Biden utilized the opportunity to address concerns regarding China’s support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and underscored the imperative of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, amidst ongoing Chinese threats of potential military action against Taiwan.
The discussion, which followed their meeting in California several months prior, preceded a potentially pivotal moment next month: the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president. White House officials described the exchange as “candid and constructive,” emphasizing Biden’s focus on preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and ensuring adherence to international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Additionally, Biden raised apprehensions regarding China’s backing of Russia’s defense industry and its potential repercussions on European and transatlantic security. The White House reiterated the United States’ steadfast commitment to achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Furthermore, Biden expressed concerns about China’s trade practices, labeling them as “unfair,” and affirmed the U.S.’s determination to prevent the exploitation of American technologies for purposes detrimental to national security. Prior to the call, a senior administration official highlighted the intention to bolster communication channels with China, particularly regarding issues such as potential electoral interference. The official stressed the importance of verifying commitments from China, reflecting Biden’s stance on maintaining vigilance.
The agenda of the call encompassed a wide array of topics, including cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, addressing the proliferation of fentanyl, enhancing military-to-military contacts, combating climate change, and assessing the risks associated with artificial intelligence. Both leaders concurred on the necessity of maintaining regular communication to manage competition responsibly and prevent inadvertent conflicts.
Anticipating discussions about Taiwan’s independence from Beijing, Biden planned to reiterate Washington’s adherence to the “One China” policy while cautioning against any attempts to forcibly seize Taiwan. Notably absent from the pre-call agenda was the issue of TikTok, a popular social media platform facing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over potential national security concerns.
The call sets the stage for subsequent high-level engagements between the two nations, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen scheduled to visit China and Secretary of State Antony Blinken planning a trip in the coming weeks. Earlier interactions this year underscored the necessity of increased dialogue between senior officials to address various contentious issues, which had previously strained bilateral relations.
Looking ahead, the White House will host Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with discussions expected to center around Chinese influence in the region. The ongoing efforts reflect Biden’s commitment to managing relations with China through constructive engagement and strategic dialogue.
