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Biden Speaks with China's Xi As Tension Grows Over Taiwan

    Biden Speaks with China's Xi As Tension Grows Over Taiwan
    Last updated Nov 04, 2022
    Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via Newsweek]

    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.

    Spin

    Republican narrative

    This call shows that Biden isn't only weak in the face of the PRC, he's compromised. He didn't mention key security issues and came out with nothing except PRC threats. Biden is beholden to Democratic establishment donors and international alliances that aren't serving the best interest of the American people.

    Democratic narrative

    Biden is dedicated to a constructive relationship with Beijing - deepening communication, and forging a responsible approach to managing differences. There are many areas where US and PRC interests align, and this diplomacy will culminate in an important face-to-face meeting between Biden and Xi in the future. This is how great powers collaborate with dignity.

    Nerd narrative

    There is a 65% chance that Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan in 2022, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

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