Chinese President Xi Jinping allegedly told United States President Joe Biden about China's plans to reunify with Taiwan amid heightened tensions over the self-governing island's future.
Sources said that Xi's remarks came during a meeting with Biden at their recent summit and it remains unclear whether or not Beijing plans to use force in its efforts. However, the Chinese president indicated that they would initially try to do so peacefully.
Xi Tells Biden About Plans to Reunify With Taiwan
Xi has repeatedly said similar plans publicly, but what is most noteworthy about his recent remarks is that he did so bluntly to Biden at a summit that was intended to thaw relations. American officials emphasized that it was not surprising given what they have recently heard and seen.
In a statement, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that he would go into specifics of the discussion between Biden and Xi. He added that most would understand that he would not be reading out their private conversation.
Kirby added that the Chinese president has been very public and clear about his plans to reunify with Taiwan. He noted that the U.S. government has also been clear that the American nation will continue to adhere to the One China policy and does not support independence for Taiwan, as per ABC News.
The National Security Council spokesman noted that they do not support a change in the status quo unilaterally and not one made by force. He added that President Biden had previously said that there was no reason for the situation to come to blows.
Biden was previously asked about whether U.S. involvement in two other global conflicts, Ukraine and Gaza, alters previous commitments to defend Taiwan from Chinese military action. The president reiterated in November that America's position is in favor of the One China policy.
China has frequently and publicly stated its goal of reunifying with Taiwan and Beijing recently confirmed the readout of the summit. The Chinese version read that Xi elaborated on his principled position on the Taiwan issue and pointed out that it has always been the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-U.S. relations.
Addressing the Longstanding Territorial Dispute
Xi also referenced public predictions by U.S. military leaders who estimated that he plans to take Taiwan in 2025 or 2027. He told Biden that these were wrong and that China does not have a set time frame on the issue, according to NBC News.
The White House also rejected a request from China where officials asked in advance of the summit for the American president to make a public statement. This would be where he says that the U.S. supports China's goals of peaceful unification with Taiwan and that it does not support Taiwan's independence.
The Chinese president's remarks come as he is facing mounting pressure amid economic turmoil in his home country. At the meeting, he sought to smoothen ties with the U.S. and American business leaders in an attempt to secure more investment to support his nation, said Business Insider.
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