Biden talks to Xi about conflicts in attempt to open line
U.S., China leaders discuss wars, North Korea, narcotics in ‘check-in’ meant to lower tensions between powers
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden spoke with Xi Jinping, China’s leader, in a call Tuesday morning that was aimed at addressing a variety of combative and cooperative issues as the United States grapples with wars and other global crises, U.S. and Chinese officials said.
The topics raised by Biden included fighting narcotics production, the Middle East conflict, North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s support of Russia during the Ukraine war, according to a White House summary of the call.
Biden intended the talk to be a “check-in” rather than a discussion with concrete outcomes, said a senior administration official, who spoke to a small group of reporters Monday night on the condition of anonymity, as is customary for such Washington briefings. But it was a crucial marker during a pivotal political year and as the countries try to steady a relationship that hit a multi-decade low last year.
John Kirby, a White House national security spokesperson, said Tuesday the two leaders had a “candid and constructive” conversation, which he said also included the topics of unfair trade policies, wrongfully detained U.S. citizens and TikTok.
“We believe that there is no substitute for regular communication at the leader level to effectively manage this complex, and often tense bilateral relationship,” Kirby said. “Both presidents agreed: Pick up the phone and speak when needed.”
The call took place days before a trip to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who will be followed soon afterward by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the official said. Those would be the first visits to China by Cabinet members this year; both officials traveled to Beijing last year to stabilize relations after tempers flared during the Chinese spy balloon episode.
Since last summer, Biden and Xi have sought to prevent any eruptions between their nations. Biden is seeking to focus on his tight race for reelection this year. Xi is grappling with a range of domestic issues, including a troubled economy and corruption in the top ranks of his military.
The senior U.S. official told reporters the call Tuesday was part of U.S. efforts toward the modest goals of maintaining contact and managing competition “responsibly.”
Biden raised two issues over China’s aggression in the Pacific: Taiwan and the South China Sea, according to the White House summary.
In the call, Xi also criticized the “endless stream of measures” taken by the United States to try to suppress China’s economy, science and technology, the Chinese government’s summary said. Biden has imposed limits on the export of advanced semiconductors to China.
Kirby said that the two leaders discussed TikTok and that Biden reiterated his concerns about the ownership of the social media app. The House voted last month to force the Chinese company that owns the app to sell it or face a nationwide ban. The bill is bottled up in the Senate now, but Biden has said he will sign it if it reaches his desk.
The senior U.S. official said Biden also wanted to stress to Xi that China must not continue helping Russia rebuild its military-industrial base.