Phone call between Biden and Xi planned: China and the US discuss Houthi attacks and the conflict in Taiwan

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Amid tensions between China and the US, senior officials from both countries’ governments met in Thailand. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (47) and Chinese chief diplomat Wang Yi (70) met in Bangkok, the White House announced on Saturday. Both exchanged information for twelve hours over two days. The meeting served to responsibly deal with “competition and tensions” between the two countries, a US government representative said. There are also plans for a telephone conversation between President Joe Biden (81) and Chinese state and party leader Xi Jinping (70) in the coming months.

Sullivan also raised the Yemeni Houthi militia attacks in the Red Sea, the U.S. representative said. The rebels are supported by Iran. Due to trade ties between China and Iran, Beijing has influence over Tehran, it was said. Sullivan pointed out how important it was for Beijing to use its “significant influence over Iran” to stop the attacks. “This is not the first time we have asked China to play a constructive role. Beijing says it is discussing the issue with the Iranians.” But it remains to be seen whether Beijing will actually get involved in the issue.

China and the US heading towards an economic confrontation

Xi and Biden last met in November at the Southeast Asian Association Asean summit in the US state of California. The relationship between the world’s two largest economies is tense. In the past, for example, the US had imposed economic sanctions intended to deny China access to key chip technology. China has also taken a confrontational course in economic and foreign policy.

Sullivan also made clear during the conversation in Bangkok that the US government rejects unilateral changes to Taiwan’s status quo, the official emphasized. Beijing considers the East Asian island part of its territory, even though an independent, democratically elected government has been in power there for decades. The US, in turn, is an important ally of Taiwan. (SDA)

Source: Blick