Facts

• On Thurs., US Pres. Biden spoke for more than two hours with China's Pres. Xi Jinping. Xi voiced his concerns over a possible trip to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
• Xi also reportedly told Biden that the US must abide by the one-China principle, warning that "whoever plays with fire will get burnt," while Biden reaffirmed his opposition to any attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
• Tensions have mounted following speculation that Pelosi could travel to Taiwan next month. Though not unprecedented, this move could signal US support for the island, over which Beijing claims sovereignty.
• This comes as China has adopted a more assertive stance regarding the self-ruling island, and Biden has promised to militarily defend Taiwan in the event of an attack.
• Nevertheless, the Biden-Xi call has also sent positive messages to the international community in terms of potential cooperation on climate change, macroeconomic policies, supply chains, and health security.
• US officials have stated that the two ended the call with plans for a face-to-face meeting for the first time since Biden took office. While neither country's readouts mentioned this idea, both noted plans to continue discussions.