Beijing and Washington are set to engage in a phone call in the coming weeks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, as confirmed by the White House following a meeting between National Security Adviser and Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing. The purpose of the meeting was to maintain open high-level communications and stabilize bilateral relations to prevent potential conflicts.
The White House announced that both sides are committed to keeping communication channels open, with plans for a 'leader-level call' in the near future. However, there is no indication of a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders before Biden's term ends.
Additionally, a military theater commander telephone call is also on the agenda, as China has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities, raising concerns about potential flashpoints in regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized that Taiwan's independence poses a significant threat to regional stability and urged the U.S. to cease arming the island while supporting China's peaceful unification efforts. In response, the U.S. reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Furthermore, discussions also touched upon the South China Sea dispute, with Beijing warning Washington against supporting actions that infringe upon China's rights and interests in the region. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defending its allies in the Indo-Pacific and expressed concerns over Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.
Amidst these tensions, the U.S. has shifted its approach towards China from engagement to competition, aiming to prevent the escalation of conflicts while seeking collaboration in areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue on various issues, including trade policies, economic practices, and the flow of illicit drugs and undocumented migrants.
As the dialogue between Beijing and Washington continues, efforts are being made to address key areas of contention while exploring opportunities for cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.
