US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a “constructive” call discussing various issues including Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and security concerns, Associated Press reports.
The conversation, which lasted about 105 minutes, marked their first since their summit in November and initiated several weeks of high-level engagements between the two nations. Xi emphasized the importance of stability in China-US relations and the adherence to the principle of “no clash, no confrontation.” They discussed the upcoming inauguration of Taiwan’s president-elect, reaffirming the US’s “One China” policy while Biden asserted the US’s opposition to coercive means to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s control.
Biden also raised concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea and discussed commitments made at their previous summit regarding narcotics control, AI, and cybersecurity. Biden raised concerns about human rights in China, including Hong Kong’s national security law and the treatment of minorities. He also expressed worries about China’s defense ties with Russia and urged Beijing to use its influence to address issues with North Korea.
Economic concerns were also on the agenda, with Biden addressing unfair economic practices and technology transfer limitations. Xi complained about US measures suppressing China’s economy and trade, the call also touched on concerns about Chinese ownership of TikTok.
