CHINA has given the US a grim warning that Biden is “playing with fire” if Washington continues to support Taiwan.
At a virtual summit this week the two world leaders were cordial, but Beijing used the opportunity to warn the US against encouraging Taiwanese independence. Taiwan is already an independent democracy that is supported by the US and its ally in the region Japan. However, China has stated that it aims to bring the island democracy under its control.
At the meeting, Mr Biden posed some uncomfortable questions for the Chinese leader, especially on the nation’s human rights record, concerning the plight of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang province.
Concerning the geopolitical situation in the region, the US recognises and has formal ties with China, but Washington supports Taiwanese independence with military aid.
The US and its key allies in the region have also pledged they will help Taiwan defend itself in the event of an attack from China.
China’s state-run tabloid, the Global Times, said the nation’s president blamed recent tensions on “repeated attempts by the Taiwan authorities to look for US support for their independence agenda”.
The Global Times added that tensions were running high because “some Americans want to use Taiwan to contain China”.
The state-run media outlet added: “Such moves are extremely dangerous, just like playing with fire.
“Whoever plays with fire will get burnt.”
The White House has stated that Mr Biden “strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait”.
Referring to this week’s meeting of heads of state, Consul General of the PR China Zhao Qinghua today tweeted: “Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday highlighted mutual respect, peaceful coexistence.
“He also highlighted a win-win cooperation as three principles in developing China/US relations in the new era.
“He expressed the hope that the US policy towards will come China back to a ‘rational and practical’ track.”
The meeting between China and the US began with both leaders greeting each other warmly.
President Xi said he was happy to see his “old friend” Mr Biden.
Mr Biden said the two had “always communicated with one another very honestly and candidly”.
The US president added: “We never walk away wondering what the other man is thinking.”
Mr Xi said the two countries needed to improve communication, adding that “humanity lives in a global village, and we face multiple challenges together”.
He said: “China and the US need to increase communication and co-operation.”
