In a telephone call on Tuesday, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in an exchange over US trade restrictions on technology and the sensitive issue of Taiwan. Despite the tensions, both leaders sought to manage the discourse, marking their first direct interaction since a summit in November.
The conversation, which comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical rivalry, aimed to address growing concerns while maintaining open lines of communication between the two nations. However, the dialogue underscored the challenges in reconciling differences between the world’s two largest economies.
Ahead of the call, it was announced that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would embark on a visit to Guangzhou, a symbol of China’s manufacturing prowess, and Beijing. Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit China in the coming weeks, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement amidst heightened tensions.
An official briefing highlighted the necessity of intense diplomacy to manage the strains in the relationship, emphasising the importance of addressing misperceptions and preventing unintended conflict. However, it was clarified that the talks were not aimed at resolving fundamental differences but rather at managing tensions.
During the call, Xi Jinping expressed concerns about Biden’s sweeping ban on high-tech exports, accusing the United States of creating economic risks. He warned against attempts to suppress China’s high-tech development, asserting China’s legitimate right to pursue its own technological advancement.
In response, President Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to safeguarding its national security interests while avoiding undue restrictions on trade and investment. The White House stated that Biden emphasised the importance of preventing advanced US technologies from undermining national security.
Furthermore, Biden pressed Xi on the issue of Taiwan, urging China to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This comes ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te on May 20, underlining the significance of stability in the region.