Xi, Biden Hold Talks Over Phone, Discuss China-US Relations, Taiwan, Artificial Intelligence

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden held a phone call Tuesday as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilize relations after years of tensions. T

In the first conversation since their historic in-person summit in November, the two leaders discussed several issues like Taiwan, artificial intelligence and security.

“The two heads of state had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-US relations and issues of common concern to the two sides,” state broadcaster CCTV said.

The call also comes ahead of visits of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to China.

Biden Rejects Chinese Calls To Loosen Chip Export Rules: White House

In the call, Biden rejected his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping’s urging for Washington to lift a sweeping ban on shipments of advanced chips, the White House said.

Biden “emphasized that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to prevent advanced US technologies from being used to undermine our national security, without unduly limiting trade and investment,” a White House statement said.

Taiwan Issue ‘Uncrossable Red Line’: Xi Tells Biden

As per Chinese state media, Xi told Biden that the Taiwan issue is “uncrossable red line”.

“Xi Jinping emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the first uncrossable red line in China-US relations,” a readout from state news agency Xinhua said, adding: “We will not allow separatist activities and external conniving in support of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces I’m going unchecked.”

However, Biden “emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” a White House statement said.

South China Sea, Illegal Narcotics Figure in Xi-Biden Talks

Biden, in the call with Xi, pressured China to do more to meet its commitments to halt the flow of illegal narcotics and to schedule additional precursor chemicals to prevent their export. The pledge was made at the leaders’ summit held in Woodside, California, last year on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.

Biden also raised concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea, including efforts last month to prevent the Philippines, which the US is treaty-obligated to defend, from resupplying its forces on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

Biden, in the call, reinforced warnings to Xi against interfering in the 2024 elections in the US as well as against continued malicious cyberattacks against critical American infrastructure, according to a senior US administration official who previewed the call on the condition of anonymity.

(With inputs from AP, AFP)