(Washington) The United States on Saturday sent a new warning to Beijing regarding Taiwan, ahead of a virtual summit scheduled for Monday between US Presidents Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In an interview with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken “expressed concern about the continued military, diplomatic and economic pressure of the People’s Republic of China against Taiwan,” according to a State Department statement. .
MM. Biden and Xi are scheduled to meet for the third time Monday evening Washington time (early Tuesday in Beijing) via video conference. The conversation between MM. Blinken and Wang were destined to prepare for this summit.
The head of US diplomacy “urged Beijing to engage in meaningful dialogue” to resolve its differences with Taipei “peacefully and in accordance with the wishes and interests of the people on Taiwan,” according to the State Department.
The Biden-Xi summit takes place as disputes accumulate between Washington and Beijing, each of which is firm on their positions on trade or human rights.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks over Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a rebellious province that must return to its fold. China has stepped up military activity near the island in recent months, and Washington has reiterated its commitment to help Taipei build and strengthen its defense.
Monday’s summit “provides an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss how to responsibly handle competition between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, while working together in areas where interests align,” said the State Department.