Chinese leader Xi Jinping told U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday that the United States must abide by the “one China” principle with regard to Taiwan and ensure that its actions are consistent with its words, according to Chinese state media reported.
“Those who play with fire will only get burned,” the Chinese president told Biden during the phone call. “I hope the US side can see this clearly,” he added. China is firmly opposed to Taiwan independence and interference from outside forces, Xi said.
In a White House statement, Biden stressed that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed and that he strongly opposes efforts to undermine peace on the tiny island.
The two presidents discussed a number of important issues for the bilateral relationship and other regional and global issues, as well as tasking their teams to continue following today’s conversation, in particular to address climate change and the health security”.
On his Twitter account, the US president spoke about the conversation he had with the Chinese leader.
“Today I spoke with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China as part of our efforts to deepen lines of communication, responsibly manage our differences and address issues of mutual concern.”
Today I spoke with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China as part of our efforts to deepen lines of communication, responsibly manage our differences, and address issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/mwIeg35h8j
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 28, 2022
Meeting in the midst of tensions
US President Joe Biden’s conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping was reported to CNN by a White House official as tensions between the two countries mount amid reports that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering a visit to Taiwan.
The much-anticipated link between the two comes as US national security officials are working quietly to convince Pelosi of the risks her possible trip could pose during a highly sensitive time between the island and China.
Sources familiar with the House leader’s plans say she plans to visit Taiwan in the coming weeks as part of a wider trip to Asia and has invited Democrats and Republicans to join her. If Pelosi goes, she will be the first House speaker to visit the island in over 25 years.
Biden acknowledged that he planned to speak with the Chinese president during remarks on the Chip Act on Monday, telling reporters: “That’s my expectation, but I’ll let you know when that’s set. I promise you will know.”
Pelosi’s possible trip is underscoring the Biden administration’s concerns about China’s Taiwan projects, as Beijing has stepped up its rhetoric and aggressive actions towards the island in recent months, including sending warplanes to the Taiwanese identification zone. Taiwan air defense several times.
US officials have expressed concern that these measures could be a precursor to even more aggressive measures by China in coming months aimed at asserting its authority over the island.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has only intensified those concerns, as Biden and other senior officials nervously watch to see what lessons China may be drawing from the Western response to Moscow’s aggression.
Meanwhile, Xi is believed to be laying the groundwork for an unprecedented third term as president in the coming months, contributing to tense geopolitics in the region.
Biden’s link with Xi was under negotiation before Pelosi’s possible visit to Taiwan became public, officials noted earlier.
* Kevin Liptak of CNN contributed to this story
Source: CNN Brasil

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