Xi Jinping, the president of China, has once more advised Joe Biden of the United States not to inflame the Taiwan situation any further. According to the official Xinhua news agency on Thursday, Xi remarked during a “frank and in-depth” virtual conversation with his US counterpart that “those who play with fire would inevitably get burned.” I hope the US side handles this correctly.
US stance is unchanged.
Biden emphasized that the US position on the Taiwan issue had not changed. Since Biden assumed office a year and a half ago, the two presidents have met five times, the most recent of which was the video summit. Regardless, there is a growing mistrust between the two nations due to the exceedingly tense trade relations as well as the growing significance of the Taiwanese status conflict.
Separate Province
China views Taiwan as a province that broke away and must be reconnected with the mainland, possibly by force. Recent worries that Beijing would deal with Taiwan in a similar manner have been stoked by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
In November, Biden warned against “unilateral measures to disrupt the status quo or threaten peace and stability in the Formosa Strait” during a video summit with Xi. He has previously cautioned the USA against “playing with fire” in response. The White House emphasized on Thursday that it opposes “unilateral attempts to alter the current situation or threaten peace and stability in the Formosa Strait.”
difficult visit
Recent concerns are due to a potential trip to Taiwan by Democrat Nancy Pelosi: Pelosi will probably fly to Taiwan in a military aircraft and occupies the third-highest office in the US as the Chair of the US House of Representatives. Such a visit is seen as provocative by Beijing.
Beijing’s “strict” refusal on Wednesday had already been verified by a representative for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Despite rumors about her plans for Taiwan, Pelosi has not yet confirmed them.
Biden mentions his long-standing, close friendship with Xi. The Corona travel limitations, however, have played a significant role in the fact that the two presidents have not personally met since he entered office.