Biden and Xi Jinping hold phone call ahead of Yellen’s trip to China

US Markets
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 3:53 pm EDT

Key Points

  • President Biden’s phone call with President Xi Jinping aimed to manage the strained U.S.-China relationship responsibly, acknowledging the need for intense diplomacy to address tensions and prevent conflicts.
  • Biden planned to raise various concerns during the call, including economic ties, tensions over Taiwan, China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine invasion, and cybersecurity threats, particularly relevant ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.
  • Efforts to stabilize relations include upcoming face-to-face meetings between top officials like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her counterparts, highlighting concerns about China’s overproduction of clean energy products and financial practices. These meetings are part of a broader initiative to address deep-seated disagreements and improve communication between the two superpowers.

President Joe Biden’s recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to foster responsible management of the strained U.S.-China relationship, characterized by “intense competition” requiring diplomatic efforts to address tensions and prevent conflicts. During the call, Biden planned to raise various U.S. concerns, including economic ties, tensions over Taiwan, China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine invasion, and cybersecurity threats, particularly pertinent ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. The conversation marked the first direct meeting between the leaders since July 2022, reflecting ongoing efforts to navigate complex geopolitical issues. The previous in-person meeting in November led to agreements to resume military-to-military communications, with further significant discussions between military leadership expected. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is set to embark on a trip to China for face-to-face meetings, aiming to address economic challenges and deepen understanding between the nations. Yellen’s recent speech highlighted concerns about China’s overproduction of clean energy products, while the Treasury Department has also expressed worries about Beijing’s financial practices, including alleged data access through investments in U.S. tech companies. These efforts are part of the Biden administration’s broader strategy to stabilize relations following years of communication breakdown, initiated by trade disputes under the Trump administration. Both sides recognize the importance of dialogue to manage relationships responsibly, reflecting a commitment to diplomatic engagement and resolution of deep-seated disagreements.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/02/joe-biden-and-chinas-xi-jinping-speak-by-phone-.html