Xi, Biden hold call and 'frank' exchange
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The China Central Television (CCTV) broadcaster revealed that the two leaders had a "frank" discussion about US-China ties, touching on common concerns.
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President Joe Biden greets China's President President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., on Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool, File)
According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with US President Joe Biden over the phone on Tuesday.
In late March, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan divulged that Biden and Xi should have a fresh phone discussion "relatively soon."
The China Central Television (CCTV) broadcaster revealed that the two leaders had a "frank" discussion about US-China ties, touching on common concerns.
According to CCTV, the Chinese President expressed that China will not turn a blind eye if the US attempts to suppress China's development of high technologies, emphasizing that attention is required from both nations regarding the negative aspects that are influencing the relationship between both countries.
In August, an executive order signed by Biden prohibits specific US investments in "sensitive technologies and products" in China.
In three industries—semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technology, and certain AI systems—the order empowers the US treasury secretary to prohibit or restrict some US investments in Chinese businesses.
The plan is aimed against investments in Chinese businesses producing chip-design software and manufacturing technologies. These sectors are primarily dominated by the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, but the Chinese government has been striving to develop domestic alternatives.
Xi further expressed to Biden that China and the US should "strengthen dialogue" and carefully resolve their differences while improving international coordination.
Capable of 'overcoming their differences': Biden
On his end, Biden told Xi that improvement in US-China relations after the San Francisco summit demonstrates that they can overcome differences, citing that the US does not want a "new cold war," nor does it want to change the "Chinese system" or strengthen its coalitions against China.
Biden added that Chinese developments benefit the globe and the US has no wish to restrain or cut ties with Beijing, emphasizing that the country was ready to plan a visit for Antony Blinken and Janet Yellen in the future to strengthen cooperation and interactions.
He also claimed the US did not support Taiwan's independence and had no wish to engage in conflict with China. Despite such claims, the US has emboldened Vietnam
It is worth noting that Taiwan considers the United States its primary ally, and the island has been a focal point of tensions with China. Meanwhile, Beijing asserts territorial claims over Taiwan and has constantly affirmed its opposition to Washington's increasingly hostile policies against Beijing and its encroaching on its geopolitical sphere, particularly regarding Taiwan.
It is worth noting that the US continues to send a small number of military trainers to Taiwan and militarize the island through arms sales.
Mike Gallagher, a prominent critic of China, expressed his belief that US support for Taiwan would remain unchanged regardless of the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
