Biden stressed that nothing had changed in the US position on the Taiwan issue. The White House said the president made it clear in the two-hour, 17-minute call “that the US opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability in the Formosa Strait” – the strait between Taiwan and China – be.
A US administration official said after the meeting that the two presidents “discussed the value of meeting face-to-face and agreed that their teams would investigate and find a time mutually acceptable.” No further details were initially given.
The video summit was the fifth meeting between the two presidents since Biden took office a year and a half ago. However, the heads of state have not yet met in person.
Meanwhile, mistrust between the two countries has deepened: in addition to the extremely difficult trade relations, the dispute over Taiwan’s status is also playing an increasingly important role.
China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that is to be reunited with the mainland – if necessary using military force. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has recently fueled fears that Beijing could use a similar approach when dealing with Taiwan.
At a video summit with Xi in November, Biden warned against “unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability in the Formosa Strait.” As a reaction, he had already warned the USA against “playing with fire”.
The reason for the recent tensions is a possible visit to Taiwan by Democrat Nancy Pelosi: As Chair of the US House of Representatives, Pelosi holds the third-highest office in the US and is likely to travel to Taiwan in a military plane. Beijing regards such a visit as a provocation.
A spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed Beijing’s “strict” rejection on Wednesday. Pelosi herself has not yet confirmed reports of her Taiwan plans.
Biden sees the economically and militarily emerging China as the greatest geopolitical challenge of the 21st century and wants to decisively oppose the government in Beijing. At the same time, it seeks cooperation on issues of common interest, including the fight against global warming.
According to the White House, Biden’s main goal is to establish “guard rails” in the US-Chinese relationship. According to the spokesman for the National Security Council, John Kirby, they are intended to ensure that both sides “can talk to each other” on all issues, including controversial ones.
