The Biden-Xi Phone Call: A Step towards Managing U.S.-China Relations

President Joe Biden’s recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping marks an important step in the efforts to manage the strained relationship between the two superpowers. The call, described by the White House as a way for the leaders to “check in,” highlights the need for intense diplomacy to address tensions, misperceptions, and prevent unintended conflict.

During the call, Biden planned to raise various U.S. concerns, including the economic relationship between the two countries, tensions over Taiwan, China’s support for Russia in its Ukraine invasion, and growing cybersecurity threats. These issues are crucial, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November.

The call between Biden and Xi is the first such phone meeting since July 2022. Following their last meeting in November, where they agreed to resume military-to-military communications, there have been significant engagements and conversations between military leadership from both countries. This ongoing dialogue is essential for managing potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

As part of the effort to strengthen relations, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is set to depart for China for face-to-face meetings with her counterparts. Yellen has expressed concerns about China’s overproduction of clean energy products and its impact on global markets. The U.S. is working to address issues such as China’s alleged use of investments in U.S. tech companies to access sensitive data.

The Biden administration is committed to stabilizing relations with China after years of communication breakdown, exacerbated by trade tensions dating back to the Trump era. Both presidents have expressed their willingness to increase communication and engagement to avoid further escalations.

The recent phone call between Biden and Xi represents a positive development in the efforts to manage the complex relationship between the U.S. and China. By addressing key concerns and engaging in diplomatic initiatives, both countries are taking steps towards ensuring stability and cooperation in their interactions. It is essential to continue these dialogues and efforts to avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings in the future.