Washington warns Beijing over Taiwan ahead of Biden-G summit

The United States issued a new warning to Beijing regarding Taiwan on Saturday ahead of Monday’s virtual summit between US Presidents Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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In an interview with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken “expressed concern about the military, diplomatic and economic pressure of the People’s Republic of China against Taiwan,” the State Department said in a statement.

MM. Biden and Xi will meet for the third time on Monday night via Washington time (early Tuesday in Beijing). Conversation between MM. Blinken and Wong prepare for this summit.

According to the State Department, the US ambassador asked Beijing to “engage in meaningful dialogue” with Taipei to resolve the dispute “peacefully and in accordance with the wishes and interests of the people on Taiwan”.

The Biden-Xi summit comes amid mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing, each of which is firmly in their position on trade or human rights.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks over Taiwan, which Beijing considers a rebel province. China has accelerated military operations near the island in recent months and Washington has reiterated its commitment to help Taipei build and strengthen its defenses.

Monday’s summit will “allow the two leaders to discuss how to manage competition competitively between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, while at the same time working together in areas where interests meet,” the State Department said.