US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a call on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in an effort to keep tensions between the two countries at a manageable level. This phone call comes after the two leaders last met in November 2023 in California. During the call, they discussed various issues, including trade restrictions on technology and the situation in Taiwan. It is important because it marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders since November and shows the ongoing efforts to address and manage the complex relationship between the United States and China.

Discussion over Taiwan and US trade restrictions on technology

During the phone call, President Joe Biden and China’s leader Xi Jinping had a clash over Taiwan and US trade restrictions on technology. This is a significant development as it highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries regarding these issues. The discussion underscores the complex nature of the US-China relationship and the challenges both leaders face in finding common ground. The clash also serves as a reminder of the ongoing competition and potential conflicts between the two global powers.

Efforts to address trade with Russia, cyberattacks, and election security

In addition to the Taiwan and technology trade disputes, President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping also discussed efforts to address China’s trade with Russia amid the war in Ukraine, cyberattacks, and election security. This reflects the broader scope of discussions between the two leaders and their shared concerns about strategic issues that impact both countries and the international community. The phone call demonstrates the importance of diplomatic engagement and communication in managing and resolving these complex and interrelated challenges.

Discussion on TikTok divestment push

Another topic of discussion between President Biden and President Xi was the efforts to force the sale of TikTok Inc. in the US during the phone call. The discussion highlights the ongoing concerns and debates surrounding technology companies and national security. Both leaders expressed their positions and interests regarding the ownership of TikTok, showing the intersection between economic and national security considerations.

Continued efforts to reduce friction and engage in diplomatic dialogue

The call between President Biden and President Xi comes ahead of a flurry of diplomatic engagement, with both the US and China maintaining their desire to reduce friction and promote stable relations. This demonstrates the ongoing efforts to find common ground and open channels for dialogue between the two countries. It is an indication of both leaders’ recognition of the importance of diplomatic communication in managing disputes, reducing tensions, and fostering cooperation.

Sources: Molly Nagle, Selina Wang, Justin Gomez, Zeke Miller, Didi Tang, Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press

Summary:

• US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call to address tensions between the two countries.
• The discussion centered around Taiwan and US trade restrictions on technology.
• Efforts were made to address trade with Russia, cyberattacks, and election security.
• The sale of TikTok Inc. in the US was also a topic of discussion.
• Both leaders expressed a desire to reduce friction and engage in diplomatic dialogue.