Xi Jinping warns Joe Biden: Supporting Taiwan independence cause may hurt ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping said to his US counterpart Joe Biden to handle the Taiwan issue properly, in order to avoid hurting Sino-US ties, Reuters reported via Chinese state media. 

As per China, the most important and sensitive issue in its relation with the US is bringing the breakaway region of Taiwan into the Chinese fold, if needed, by force. Though Washington does not have official diplomatic ties with Taipei, it remains the region’s biggest international backer and weapon supplier. 

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Notably, the US is currently seeking China’s help regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which occurred on February 24. 

In the video call, Xi told Biden “Some individuals in the United States are sending the wrong signals to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and that’s very dangerous”, and added, “If the Taiwan issue is not handled properly, it will have a subversive impact on the relationship between the two countries”, as per Reuters.

Also Read | China says Taiwan ‘taking advantage’ of Ukraine war for political mileage

Further, the Chinese head of state told his counterpart, “(We) hope the U.S. side will pay adequate attention”. Meanwhile, a White House statement said that Biden told Xi about Washington’s unchanging policy regarding Taiwan and said the US “continues to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo”. 

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, with Xi telling Biden that the war must stop as soon as possible, Reuters reported via Chinese state media. 

Also Read | China fixed on Taiwan ‘reunification’, opposes foreign interference

The Chinese leader further said that all parties should encourage Russia and Ukraine to hold diplomatic talks while the US and NATO should also engage in talks with Russia to solve the core issue of the Ukraine crisis. Notably, China has blamed NATO’s eastward expansion, headed by the US, as being the reason behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

After the call between the leaders, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry thanked Biden for “emphasis on maintaining the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as his firm support for Taiwan’s security”, Reuters reported. 

Also Read | For all its parallels, Ukraine war feels distant in Taiwan

It also called on China to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine and take concrete actions. Taiwan, which seeks self-determination, has joined the West in sanctioning Russia and sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine. China, meanwhile, has refused to label Russian actions in Ukraine as an invasion and reportedly, Chinese social media is full of pro-Russian sentiments too.