US President Joe Biden spoke on call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for the first time after taking office and he has expressed his concern about China’s unfair economic practices.
Biden had earlier said he would not immediately cancel the trade agreement that former president Donald Trump struck with china.
The phone call between the two leaders came hours after the Pentagon announced a task force on China.
Biden shared his greetings and well wishes with the Chinese people on the occasion of Lunar New Year.
The White House said, President Biden expressed concerns about Beijing’s unfair economic practices, the crackdown in Hong Kong and human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Biden administration officials have also condemned China’s attacks on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.
Biden and Xi also exchanged views on countering the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges of global health security, climate change, and preventing weapons proliferation.
President Xi said that China and the US gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. He said that it is important to show mutual respect and manage the differences. Xi also said that US should respect China’s core interests and act prudently.
Xi said the foreign affairs departments of the two countries should have in-depth communications on matters in the bilateral relationship and major international issues.
