President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone call on Tuesday, marking the first time they have spoken since meeting in-person last November. The discussion covered topics such as artificial intelligence, counternarcotics, and climate issues. The call was described as “candid and constructive” by the White House and touched on various bilateral, regional, and global issues. Both leaders expressed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and managing the relationship through diplomacy in the future.
During their meeting in November, Biden and Xi agreed to keep open lines of communication to prevent unintended conflict. They made progress on resuming military-to-military communications and combatting the flow of fentanyl. Tuesday’s call was part of the ongoing effort to maintain regular dialogue between the two leaders. Biden emphasized the importance of strengthening these lines of communication, especially given recent events in Ukraine and the South China Sea.
Biden raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and its actions in the South China Sea, including incidents involving Filipino vessels. The U.S. has warned that it would defend the Philippines under a 1951 treaty in the event of an armed attack. The president also stressed the need for continued efforts to address illegal narcotics trafficking and restrict the flow of precursor chemicals used in making synthetic drugs. The call between Biden and Xi coincides with upcoming visits by senior U.S. officials to China, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The phone call between Biden and Xi is part of ongoing efforts to maintain a dialogue and manage the relationship between the two countries. The White House described the call as productive and focused on a range of important issues. Biden’s emphasis on the need for peace and stability in Taiwan ahead of its presidential inauguration next month demonstrates the U.S. commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties in the region. The discussion also highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges such as climate change and counternarcotics.
The call between Biden and Xi reflects the complex and dynamic nature of the U.S.-China relationship. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of open communication and responsible management of the relationship to prevent conflicts and promote mutual understanding. As the two countries navigate various challenges on the global stage, maintaining a constructive dialogue between their leaders is crucial for addressing shared concerns and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
