Biden and Xi Jinping to speak by phone in effort to improve U.S.-China ties
SUMMARY
President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are set to speak by phone "in the coming weeks" as the U.S. and China seek to improve strained relations. This announcement follows national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s two-day talks in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides described the discussions as "candid, substantive and constructive," covering various bilateral, regional, and global issues. The White House and Chinese Foreign Ministry indicated plans for future military communications, signaling a potential thaw after tensions over issues like Taiwan, trade restrictions, and China’s stance on the Ukraine war. Sullivan’s meeting with Gen. Zhang Youxia marked the highest-level public engagement with the Chinese military since 2018. "Both sides welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication," the White House stated.
