What Does Biden's Call To Xi Signify For Both Superpowers?

Competition and cooperation: Where are China and the USA in their relationship?

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo Credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

The recent phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden is a pivotal moment in managing the complex US-China relationship. Can trust start improving between these two powerful nations with one phone call amidst a backdrop of uncertainty?

The facts

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a crucial phone chat—their first since their historic face-to-face meeting in November of last year.

In the midst of global unrest, this conversation represented continued efforts to defuse tensions between the US and China. The disputes in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, Taiwan, provocations in the South China Sea, and violations of human rights were among the subjects of conversation.

The leaders also looked at areas where they could work together, like combating drugs, developing AI, and dealing with climate change. The discussion was described by the White House as “candid and constructive,” highlighting points of agreement and disagreement on a range of topics.

Biden emphasised the significance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The US president also raised concerns about China’s practices to hack into American critical infrastructure.

The arguments

There has been an attempt to defuse the tension between China and US, but caution is still advised. The Biden administration highlighted the necessity for verification of actions, especially in view of China’s prior declarations that it would not meddle in the US election.

Analysts argue that Biden’s post-summit description of Xi as a tyrant indicates a complex relationship and reveals underlying tensions.

China’s involvement in enhancing Russia’s defence capability also continues to raise concerns. Although China has refrained from openly offering Russia deadly assistance in its invasion of Ukraine, US officials have expressed worry that China’s financial backing for Russia has enabled the nation to restore its defence industrial base.

Amid these dynamics, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s impending trip to China lays emphasis on continued engagement. On her visit to Beijing and Guangzhou, Yellen plans to stress on the delicate balance in US-China ties while attempting to address unfair trade practices and issuing a warning against a sudden disengagement.

Expects are of the view that in general, the conversation illustrates a complex relationship characterised by mutual respect, disagreement, and the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts.