United States (US) President Joe Biden spoke with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping for the first time since the US election on Wednesday, wherein the leaders discussed not only bilateral relations but also thorny topics like human rights and the Indo-Pacific. According to a readout of the call released by the White House, Biden affirmed his priorities of protecting the American people’s security, prosperity, health, and way of life, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. He also emphasised his concerns about Beijing’s “coercive and unfair economic practices,” the country’s actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and its increasing assertiveness in the region, including towards Taiwan.
Xi, however, stressed that all matters relating to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang were “China’s internal affairs and concern China’s sovereignty,” and asked the US to “respect” Beijing’s core interests and “act prudently.” Noting the tense relationship between the two sides in recent months, the president said that cooperation was “the only right choice” moving forward. “When China and the United States work together, they can accomplish a great deal for the good of both countries and the world at large; confrontation between the two countries, however, will definitely be disastrous for both countries and the world,” he added.
The leaders also spoke about ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the global health security infrastructure, climate change, and preventing weapons proliferation. Xi said that following the spirit of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation through extensive and continuous dialogue will not only help stabilize bilateral ties, but also help the countries constructively engage in fighting the coronavirus crisis, promoting the world economy, and maintaining regional peace and stability.
Following their conversation, Biden reportedly told a bipartisan group of US senators at an Oval Office meeting aimed at discussing the need to upgrade US infrastructure that Washington must “raise its game” when it comes to China. “They’re investing billions of dollars dealing with a whole range of issues that relate to transportation, the environment, and a whole range of other things. We just have to step up,” the president said, adding, “if we don’t get moving, they are going to eat our lunch.”
Biden also launched a new Pentagon task force on China the previous day, highlighting his plans to make countering Beijing’s rise a top priority for the military. “The task force will work quickly, drawing on civilian and military experts across the department to provide within the next few months the recommendations to Secretary Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters,” Biden said.
Biden, Xi Discuss Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Indo-Pacific in First Call Since US Election
The leaders also spoke about ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the global health security infrastructure, climate change, and preventing weapons proliferation.
February 12, 2021
SOURCE: AP via FINANCIAL TIMES