President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation, following their in-person summit in November, aiming to defuse tensions between the two superpowers. The call covered various topics, including ongoing global conflicts, China’s recent actions in the South China Sea, and human rights abuses. Issues where cooperation is possible, such as countering narcotics, artificial intelligence, and climate change, were also discussed.
The call between Biden and Xi was a follow-through on a commitment to communicate more frequently to prevent misunderstandings between the two powerful nations. The focus was on managing competition responsibly, addressing misperceptions, and preventing unintended conflicts. Despite efforts to de-escalate tensions, the phrase “Trust but verify” remains important in ensuring China follows through on its commitments, such as not interfering in the US presidential election.
Discussions during the call included US concerns about Chinese hacking of critical infrastructure and the need to verify Beijing’s actions rather than taking their word for it. Biden highlighted China’s support for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, expressing concern over the impact on global security. The conversation also touched on the progress made on initiatives announced during their summit, such as military communications and fentanyl production curbs.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s upcoming visit to China signals ongoing engagement with Beijing, with a focus on addressing unfair trade practices. Yellen’s discussions will cover issues such as global economic threats posed by China’s overcapacity while cautioning against complete decoupling from the manufacturing giant, which could have disastrous consequences for the US. Other US officials have also engaged with their Chinese counterparts, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations.
The Biden administration’s approach towards China involves intensifying diplomacy to manage tensions effectively and ensure mutual understanding. While the two nations continue to face differences on various issues, including human rights abuses and cybersecurity concerns, both sides are committed to dialogue and communication to prevent conflicts. The ongoing engagement between the two countries reflects efforts to navigate complex challenges and find areas of cooperation amidst global turbulence.
Overall, the phone call between Biden and Xi served as a platform to discuss critical issues, reaffirm commitments made during their summit, and address ongoing concerns in US-China relations. Both leaders emphasized the importance of robust lines of communication, responsible competition management, and the need to work together on shared challenges. The conversation highlighted the complexity of the US-China relationship, demonstrating a delicate balance between cooperation and competition in a rapidly changing global landscape.
