President Biden had a call with Xi Jinping, China’s leader, on Tuesday morning to discuss various issues, including cooperation and conflict, as the United States deals with global crises, according to U.S. and Chinese officials.
The topics covered by Mr. Biden ranged from combating narcotics production to addressing the Middle East conflict, North Korea’s nuclear program, and China’s support of Russia during the Ukraine war, as per a White House summary of the call.
The call was intended by Mr. Biden as a “check-in” rather than a negotiation with specific outcomes, said a senior administration official who briefed a small group of reporters on Monday night under anonymity. It marked a significant moment in a crucial political year as the two countries work to stabilize their relationship after tensions reached a multi-decade low last year.
The call preceded a visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, followed by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, making them the first cabinet members to visit China this year. Both officials visited Beijing last year to improve relations after a heated incident involving a Chinese spy balloon.
Since last summer, both Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi have worked to prevent escalations between their countries. Mr. Biden is focused on his re-election campaign this year, while Mr. Xi is dealing with domestic issues such as economic troubles and military corruption.
The two leaders had face-to-face summits in Woodside, outside San Francisco, and in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022, their first in-person meeting as national leaders. They last spoke in July 2022.
The U.S. official briefing reporters mentioned that the call on Tuesday was part of efforts to maintain contact and manage competition responsibly.
During the call, Mr. Biden raised concerns about China’s actions in the Pacific, specifically regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, according to the White House summary.
The Biden administration has cautioned China about its aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan, a region of contention between the two countries.
Despite this, Mr. Biden reiterated the U.S.’s adherence to the “one China policy” during the call, recognizing the mainland People’s Republic of China as the legitimate government of China without addressing Taiwan’s status.
Mr. Xi emphasized that Taiwan is a red line that should not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, calling for concrete actions from the U.S. to show a commitment to not supporting Taiwan’s independence.
Both leaders have differing views on Taiwan, with Mr. Xi stating that Taiwan must be brought under Communist Party rule, even by force if necessary, while Mr. Biden has pledged to defend Taiwan against Chinese invasion.
Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s foreign minister, highlighted China’s increasing military activities around Taiwan, cyberespionage efforts, and dissemination of disinformation, calling for closer cooperation with the U.S.
During the call, Mr. Xi also criticized U.S. measures aimed at curbing China’s economy, science, and technology, including restrictions on semiconductor exports.
Mr. Biden assured Mr. Xi that the U.S. would take necessary steps to safeguard national security while addressing unfair trade policies and preventing advanced U.S. technologies from undermining national security.
Mr. Biden also raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s military-industrial base rebuilding efforts, which have continued despite economic sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. has urged China to help stop attacks by Houthi forces in the Red Sea and to cooperate on issues such as limiting fentanyl exports, military talks, artificial intelligence, and climate change policy.
Meaghan Tobin contributed reporting from Taipei, Taiwan.
