The White House has announced that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to have a phone conversation in the “coming weeks.” This comes as U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan travels to Beijing for discussions with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat. The two leaders are expected to address a range of issues, including tech restrictions, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Ukraine. Both sides have also mentioned the possibility of military leader calls in the near future, as well as a new round of U.S.-China talks on artificial intelligence.
Continued Diplomatic Efforts
Despite ongoing tensions between the two countries, efforts are being made to maintain communication at high levels. John Podesta, senior advisor to President Biden for international climate policy, is expected to make a trip to China soon. This follows previous interactions between Biden and Xi, including a phone call in April that lasted nearly two hours. While official communication channels have faced challenges due to Covid-19 restrictions and political events such as Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, both sides are committed to engaging in dialogue.
The relationship between the United States and China has been complex in recent years, with disagreements on various issues ranging from trade to human rights. High-profile incidents, such as the “balloon incident” in 2023 and political visits to Taiwan, have further strained ties between the two countries. However, both nations recognize the importance of maintaining dialogue at a leadership level to address key areas of concern and find common ground.
As President Biden prepares to step down and Vice President Kamala Harris assumes the nomination for the upcoming election, U.S. policy towards China remains a focal point. Both political parties in the United States agree on the importance of taking a tough stance on Beijing, particularly when it comes to safeguarding national security interests and promoting fair trade practices. The upcoming phone call between Biden and Xi represents a new chapter in U.S.-China relations and an opportunity to reset the tone of bilateral engagement.