China’s President Xi Jinping warned Joe Biden ‘those who play with fire will get burned’ during a two-hour call Thursday morning amid rising tensions over Taiwan, according to Chinese state media.
The fifth call between the world leaders since President Biden took office comes amid simmering tensions and a potential impending visit to Taiwan from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Biden released an image on Twitter of him in the Oval Office on the phone with Xi.
‘Today I spoke with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China as part of our efforts to deepen lines of communication, responsibly manage our differences, and address issues of mutual interest,’ he wrote along with the image.
The last time Biden and Xi last spoke was in March of this year – shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. Chinese state media released some excerpts from the call, including Xi telling Biden: ‘Those who play with fire will only get burnt. Hope the U.S. side can see this clearly.’
The leader of the People’s Republic of China also said he firmly opposes Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces. On the other hand, Biden expressed the U.S. stance on the issue has not changed, according to a read-out of the meeting.
‘On Taiwan, President Biden underscored that the United States policy has not changed and that the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,’ the readout states.
U.S. military leaders warn of the emerging threat from China and claim that Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan could cause ripple effects. Taiwan has been ramping up its largest ever military drills as its giant neighbor China bristles over a prospective visit to the island by Speaker Pelosi.
Tensions have been rising recently as Beijing has issued escalating warnings about repercussions should Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan go ahead. The South China Morning Post reported that Taiwan would have to ‘bear the wrath of Beijing’ should the visit go forward. Beijing is likely to ramp up military pressure on the island during Pelosi’s time there.
‘Possible action includes sending multiple warplanes across the median line that separates the Taiwan Strait,’ said Chieh Chung, a senior researcher at the National Policy Foundation think tank, noting that this happened when former US undersecretary of state Keith Krach visited Taiwan in 2020. READ MORE
