After Meeting Xi, Biden Says 'there Need Not Be A Cold War'

US Prez Doubts Invasion Of Taiwan; Both Agree No N-Weapons In Ukraine

Nusa Dua (Indonesia): US President Joe Biden warned President Xi Jinping on Monday that the US would enhance its security position in Asia if Beijing cannot rein in North Korea’s weapons programmes, and during a three-hour meeting the two leaders also had strong words about Taiwan. Biden told a news conference after his first in-person talks with Xi since becoming president in early 2021 that they had blunt talks over a wide array of issues that are contributing to the worst US-Chinese ties in decades. But he said there was no need for a new Cold War, and added he did not think China was planning a hot one.

In a statement after their meeting, Xi called Taiwan the “first red line” that must not be crossed in US-China relations, Chinese state media said. Biden said he sought to assure Xi that US policy on Taiwan has not changed, seeking to lower tensions over the selfruled island. “I do not think there’s any imminent attempt on the part of China to invade Taiwan,” he told reporters. On North Korea, Biden said if China is unable to rein in Pyongyang’s weapons programmes, the US would do more to further protect Amarican allies in the region.