Washington, DC – In a significant diplomatic move, President Joe Biden engaged in a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, following their historic face-to-face meeting last November. This exchange marks a pivotal moment in ongoing efforts by both US and Chinese officials to ease tensions between the two superpowers.
The discussion between the two leaders covered a wide range of pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, along with concerns over North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. Additional topics of conversation included Taiwan, China’s activities in the South China Sea, and human rights abuses in Beijing.
During the call, both leaders also explored areas where the US and China could collaborate, such as combating narcotics, advancing artificial intelligence, and addressing climate change. A readout from the White House described the conversation as “candid and constructive,” highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement.
President Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while also expressing apprehensions about China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. The Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that Xi characterized US-China relations as showing signs of stabilization but cautioned about growing “negative factors” that require attention from both sides.
Furthermore, Biden raised concerns regarding China’s trade practices and the potential misuse of advanced US technologies for undermining national security. Both leaders welcomed continued efforts to maintain open channels of communication and manage the relationship through high-level diplomacy in the coming weeks and months.
In the wake of the conversation, it is evident that both the US and China are committed to ongoing dialogue and cooperation while navigating complex geopolitical challenges. The Biden administration’s engagement with Beijing, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s upcoming visit to China, underscores the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between the two economic powerhouses.