Biden Discusses Conflicts with Xi, Covering Ukraine to the Pacific

President Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, engaged in a crucial phone call on Tuesday morning to address a range of contentious and cooperative issues as the United States navigates through global crises. The call, described as a “check-in” by a senior administration official, covered topics such as narcotics production, the Middle East conflict, North Korea’s nuclear program, and China’s support of Russia during the Ukraine war.

Both leaders had a “candid and constructive” conversation, according to White House national security spokesman John F. Kirby. The call comes at a pivotal time as the U.S. and China work to stabilize their relationship, which hit a multi-decade low last year.

President Biden raised concerns about China’s aggression in the Pacific, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea. While reiterating the U.S.’s “one China policy,” which recognizes mainland China as the sole legitimate government, Biden also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The call also touched on issues such as unfair trade policies, wrongfully detained U.S. citizens, and the popular social media app TikTok. President Biden expressed concerns about the ownership of TikTok and the need to protect national security interests.

Overall, the call highlighted the importance of regular communication between the two leaders to manage the complex and often tense bilateral relationship. As both countries navigate various domestic and international challenges, cooperation on key issues such as trade, security, and climate change remains crucial for global stability.