Biden to Talk with Xi Jinping on 18th... Likely to Discuss Ukraine Situation

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a phone call on the 18th (local time). This is the first direct contact between the U.S. and Chinese leaders since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced the phone call plan on the 17th in a statement, saying, "The two leaders will discuss managing competition between the two countries, as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other mutual concerns."

Psaki mentioned, "This is part of ongoing efforts to maintain an open line of communication between the U.S. and China."

The contact between President Biden and President Xi comes four months after their virtual summit on November 15 last year. Especially amid rising tensions due to the Ukraine situation, there is a possibility that President Biden will urge President Xi to play a mediating role in resolving the crisis during this call.

Furthermore, it is expected that Biden will reiterate warnings that immediate responses will be taken if China supports Russia, which is under Western sanctions. Earlier, on the 14th in Rome, Italy, Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, met with his counterpart Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, and directly warned that China would face serious consequences if it provides economic or military support to Russia.

Additionally, President Biden and President Xi are expected to discuss North Korea, which has continued missile provocations this year, and the Taiwan issue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.