US president reiterates opposition to undermining peace in Taiwan amid tension over potential Pelosi trip
The Chinese president has warned Joe Biden against “playing with fire” over Taiwan in a highly anticipated phone call that lasted more than two hours on Thursday, as tensions remain high over the House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential trip to the island next month.
In response to Xi’s comment on Taiwan, Biden reiterated Washington’s policy and said it had not changed and that “the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan strait”, according toThe White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, would not comment on China’s readout of the call, simply saying that Biden and Xi had “a direct, straightforward conversation”.
On Thursday, Taiwan’s military said it fired flares to warn away a drone that “glanced by” a strategically located and heavily fortified island close to the Chinese coast that was possibly investigating its defences. A senior Taiwanese official said it was a Chinese drone, probably one of China’s new CSC-005 drones. China has not commented.
Thursday’s call began at 8.33am EDT and lasted two hours and 17 minutes. China’s spokesperson, Hua Chunying, described the exchange as “candid”. It is the two leaders’ fifth conversation since February 2021, when Biden became US president. The two leaders also discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and bilateral trade, global supply chains, and the ongoing food and energy crises, according to the Chinese statement. Biden previously said he was still considering lifting some of the tariffs on Chinese imports in an attempt to ease the domestic cost of living crisis.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joe Biden ‘very reluctant’ to see Nancy Pelosi go to Taiwan
Read more »
‘A dangerous moment’: China warns of consequences if Pelosi visits TaiwanDe-escalation difficult for US and China, say analysts, amid widespread support in Taiwan for potential trip
Read more »
Why is China so angry about Nancy Pelosi's planned Taiwan visit?Nancy Pelosi will be the highest-ranking US politician to visit Taiwan since 1997 but China warns it will take 'firm and forceful' measures if her visit goes ahead.
Read more »
Joe Biden ‘very reluctant’ to see Nancy Pelosi go to Taiwan
Read more »
One in four Australians will abuse people using technology, new research shows'The important thing to think about is technology is just another means of perpetrating abuse, and we haven't understood the extent and nature of how it's being used as yet another form of control.' — ANROWS CEO Padma Raman.
Read more »
US Justice Department weighing possible charges against Hunter Biden
Read more »