The first direct conversation between United States President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping since November was described as “constructive” by officials, though it hinted at enduring tensions.
During Tuesday’s phone call, Xi emphasized that questions regarding sovereignty in Taiwan constituted a “red line” not to be crossed. The leaders’ last discussion occurred on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in California, where they acknowledged progress but remained divided on issues like Taiwan and technology.
A US official characterized the call as a “checking in” rather than aiming for policy breakthroughs. The White House stated that the leaders had a “candid and constructive discussion” covering various bilateral, regional, and global matters, emphasizing areas of both cooperation and divergence.
Xi proposed a baseline principle of “no clash, no confrontation” for the year, advocating for stability and urging against provocation to maintain overall relations.
The call precedes a series of diplomatic engagements, including US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s upcoming trip to China and Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s subsequent visit. Discussions between Xi and Biden covered a wide range of topics, from counter-narcotics cooperation to climate change efforts.
White House National Security Advisor John Kirby emphasized the importance of regular communication at the leader level to manage the complex bilateral relationship effectively.
The conversation comes amidst heightened tensions, with the US military highlighting incidents of close encounters in the Taiwan Strait and other areas, raising concerns about potential escalations.
The Biden administration has prioritized countering China’s assertiveness in the region, focusing on strengthening alliances and maintaining trade restrictions. President Biden is scheduled to meet with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida next week, with China’s influence in the region topping the agenda.
