Biden Reiterates US Taiwan Policy After Meeting With Xi

Joe Biden shook hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Indonesia yesterday, seeking common ground over the issue of Taiwan and pledging cooperation on climate policies.

- John Bowden

The US president once again insisted he was not changing Washington’s long-standing “One China” policy, even though he has repeatedly promised to defend Taiwan if it were attacked. He also sought to lower tensions by saying that such a situation was unlikely.

Their first in-person meeting since Mr Biden came to power took place on the sidelines of the G20 gathering in Bali, Indonesia. The president told reporters he had been “open and candid” with Mr Xi about a range of matters on which Beijing and Washington disagree. “I think we understand each other,” Mr Biden said. “I’m not suggesting this is kumbaya, but I do not believe there’s a need for concern.”