Call between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden conveys stability, deep disconnect in US-China ties: analysts

‘Constructive’ conversation took place arranged around priorities that American leader ‘holds so seriously’, says national security spokesman

If US insists on ‘suppressing China’s hi-tech development’ and depriving it of legitimate right to develop, country ‘will not sit idly by,’ Xi says

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US President Joe Biden spoke by phone on Tuesday with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Photo: Reuters

Ji Siqiin Washington

Published: 6:19am, 3 Apr 2024Updated: 9:23am, 3 Apr 2024

The first phone call in nearly two years between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden conveyed stability overall in a bilateral relationship previously marked by contention on all fronts, while also signalling a deepening disconnect on tech restrictions and economic disputes, analysts said.

“What’s important is that the top level of communication is very frequent, is regular,” said Rhodium Group’s Daniel Rosen of the conversation between the leaders on Tuesday.

“Summits are important, but there’s no replacement for regular top-level communication, especially given the nature of the Chinese system where the person at the top is the one who matters most,” Rosen added.

With both sides using “candid” and “constructive” as key descriptors for the talk – and expressing a willingness to build on a foundation laid down when the two leaders met face-to-face in November – they allowed space to air grievances diplomatically but in no uncertain terms.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping walks with US President Joe Biden after a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Woodside, California, on November 15, 2023. Photo: AFP

During the call, Xi accused the US of launching “an endless stream of measures to suppress China’s economy, trade, science and technology” as more mainland companies have been added to American sanction lists, according to Xinhua.