The Presidents of the United States and China Discuss 'Ukraine and Taiwan'

On Tuesday, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, and Xi Jinping, the President of China, spoke directly on the phone for the first time since their meeting last November. Biden is seeking to prevent escalating tensions ahead of Taiwan's presidential inauguration. The White House stated that Biden used this call to emphasize 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.' Biden and Xi also discussed concerns regarding China's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, the country's economic trade practices, human rights violations in Xinjiang, and nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula. Biden and Xi agreed in November to reopen military communications and cooperate to limit fentanyl production. They had not spoken on the phone since July 2022. After the November meeting, Biden told reporters that he had not changed his view that Xi is a dictator, a remark that angered China. A senior Biden administration official had previously stated that he would express concern over 'destabilizing actions by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea, including a recent dangerous action by the Chinese Coast Guard against routine Philippine maritime operations.' Radio Free Asia closed its Hong Kong office due to security concerns. The Philippines stated it would counter illegal and dangerous actions by the Chinese Coast Guard. Interpol reported that criminal groups worldwide earn $3 trillion annually. Following a decline in foreign investment, the President of China met with American company executives.