The two sides called the phone call — the fifth virtual meeting between the two — “frank,” a diplomatic term meaning many disagreements remain.
“Those who play with fire will end up burning”
The state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the Chinese president warned Biden about Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory and wants to take back, if necessary by force.
“Those who play with fire will end up burning,” Xi warned Biden. In their last conversation, in November, he told her the same thing.
“I hope the US side understands perfectly,” added Xi, whose country has been threatening “consequences” for days if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi goes ahead with plans to travel to Taiwan.
Biden told Xi that the US position “has not changed” on Taiwan and “strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
The United States has recognized the Chinese regime since 1979, according to the principle of “one China” whose capital is in Beijing. It does not officially recognize Taiwan, but supports it militarily.
China considers the island as one of its historical provinces and claims its sovereignty. It therefore opposes any initiative that gives the Taiwanese authorities international legitimacy and any official contact between Taiwan and other countries.