Those who play with fire will get burned: China'Xi to Biden during virtual meet

Deutsche Welle | Washington

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

United States President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held virtual talks amid mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan was high on the agenda, with Xi warning that the island's leaders are trying to "rely on the US for independence."

"Some people in the US intend to 'use Taiwan to control China,'" Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua.

"This trend is very dangerous and is like playing with fire, and those who play with fire will get burned."

The US wants 'stability' for Taiwan
Biden said the US remained committed to the "One China" policy, which recognizes Beijing but allows informal relations and defence ties with Taipei.

"On Taiwan, President Biden underscored that the United States [...] strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the White House statement said.

In the face of what Washington has described as Chinese aggression, the US has repeatedly signalled its support for Taiwan. But Washington is careful not to show it recognizes Taiwan, even though an act of Congress passed in 1979 requires the US to provide weapons to the island for self-defence.

Beijing views the self-governing island as a Chinese province and has vowed to bring it under its control, by force if necessary.

Chinese media also reported Xi saying it will take "decisive measures" if forces pushing for Taiwan's independence cross a "red line."

China has dispatched an increasing number of fighter jets near Taiwan, contributing to tensions and fears of a miscalculation that could trigger an unintended military conflict.