Xi-Biden call a timely talk about ‘strategic perception’ as tensions flare
- Amid a litany of thorny issues and looming US elections, both sides try to reset tone, manage differences
- Call between two leaders came ahead of meetings between diplomatic, economic and security officials
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden spoke by phone on Tuesday in a bid to stabilise ties amid rising tensions over the South China Sea, Taiwan and what Beijing has described as Washington’s “suppression” of hi-tech development.
While there appeared to be no breakthroughs on a litany of thorny issues, observers said the 105-minute conversation – the first since the Chinese and US leaders met in San Francisco in November – was “timely” and “meaningful”, and underlined their willingness to avoid mishaps or conflict.
Both sides described the call as “candid and constructive”, with Xi and Biden reaffirming the importance of strengthening high-level dialogue, while differing sharply on most geopolitical and ideological issues including Hong Kong, human rights and the Ukraine war.
According to the official Chinese readout, Xi told Biden that bilateral ties were “beginning to stabilise” despite growing “negative factors”, but warned that they could “slide into conflict or confrontation”.
In a sign of Beijing’s deep distrust of the Biden administration, Xi urged Washington to forge a correct strategic perception of China, which he said was “fundamental” and “just like the first button of a shirt that must be put right”.
He also raised the issue of credibility, in another thinly veiled jab at the Biden White House’s ability to deliver on its promises.