Xi Jinping, the leader of China, told Joe Biden of the United States that Americans should respect the “one China” principle towards Taiwan and make sure their actions match their words, Chinese state media reported.
“Those who play with fire will only be burned, I hope the US side can see that clearly,” Xi said.
- Understand why a US House Speaker’s trip to Taiwan is sparking controversy
1 of 1 Xi Jinping — Photo: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Portal
Xi Jinping — Photo: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Portal
Xi and Biden had a phone conversation on Thursday (28th). The phone call lasted more than two hours. Taiwan was one of the topics of the dialogue.
The White House said the call began at 8:33 a.m. (9:33 a.m. EDT) and ended at 10:50 a.m. US officials said the talk will have a broad agenda, including discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which China has yet to condemn.
Chinese officials who described that the subject of Taiwan came up in the conversation. China is firmly opposed to Taiwan’s independence and foreign interference, Xi said.
US officials see the talks as another chance to manage competition between the world’s two largest economies, whose ties are strained by tensions over democraticallyruled Taiwan, which Xi has vowed to reunite with the mainland, if necessary by force , are becoming increasingly blurred.
Context: Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan
According to US media, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning a visit to Taiwan.
Beijing has issued mounting warnings about the repercussions of a Pelosi visit to Taiwan, a move that would be a significant if not unprecedented demonstration of US support for the island, which it says faces Chinese military and economic threats is.
Washington has no official ties with Taiwan and follows a “one China” policy that diplomatically recognizes Beijing, not Taipei. But the US is required under US law to provide the island with means of selfdefense, and pressure is mounting in Congress for clearer support.
“It’s about keeping lines of communication open with the President of China, one of the most important bilateral relationships we have, not just in this region but around the world,” said John Kirby, White House national security spokesman , told reporters on Wednesday.
A person briefed on the call’s scheduling said the Biden administration believes direct engagement between leaders is the best way to ease tensions over Taiwan.