Biden Speaks with China's Xi As Tension Grows Over Taiwan

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    The Facts

    • On Thurs., US Pres. Biden spoke for more than two hours with China's Pres. Xi Jinping. Xi voiced his concerns over a possible trip to Taiwan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

    • Xi also reportedly told Biden that the US must abide by the one-China principle, warning that "whoever plays with fire will get burnt," while Biden reaffirmed his opposition to any attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.


    The Spin

    Republican narrative

    This call shows that Biden isn't only weak in the face of the PRC, he's compromised. He didn't mention key security issues and came out with nothing except PRC threats. Biden is beholden to Democratic establishment donors and international alliances that aren't serving the best interest of the American people.

    Democratic narrative

    Biden is dedicated to a constructive relationship with Beijing - deepening communication, and forging a responsible approach to managing differences. There are many areas where US and PRC interests align, and this diplomacy will culminate in an important face-to-face meeting between Biden and Xi in the future. This is how great powers collaborate with dignity.


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