Tensions over Taiwan escalate as Chinese president urges the US to respect “One China” policy, while Biden reaffirms US stance on peace in the region.

In a tense two-hour phone call, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden against “playing with fire” over Taiwan, as tensions continue to rise regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential visit to the island. Xi emphasized the importance of adhering to the three joint communiques that form the foundation of US-China relations, stressing China’s determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He further declared that such efforts are backed by the “firm will” of over 1.4 billion Chinese people.

Biden responded by reaffirming the United States’ long-standing position on Taiwan, emphasizing that US policy had not changed and strongly opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo or disrupt peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

This call comes amid growing concerns over US support for Taiwan, with Xi previously warning Biden in a virtual summit about China’s readiness to take “decisive measures” should Taiwan move toward independence.