Communist China strongly opposes an independent, Western-oriented Taiwan. Beijing also does not want foreign forces to intervene in the matter, Xi said. “Those who play with fire will eventually burn themselves. I hope the American side fully understands that.” Xi has used such words before to reinforce the Chinese position.
President Biden, for his part, emphasized that United States policy on Taiwan has not changed, the White House said. “The United States strongly opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo” or undermine peace and stability.
‘Candid and in-depth conversation’
Both presidents would have found their conversation “candid and profound,” Chinese state media said. According to the White House, Biden and Xi spent more than two hours on the phone and the contact was intended to keep the relationship stable despite mounting tensions. It was the fifth meeting between the two world leaders, which according to insiders was prompted, among other things, by the announced visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan.
Pelosi wants to show her support for Taiwan with her visit, as the island is under increasing pressure from China. Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province and has already indicated that a visit by Pelosi will lead to “resolute and strong” measures, including imposing a no-fly zone around the island.