In a period of high tension on Taiwan, the leaders of China and the United States maintain a minimum dialogue.
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The exchange took place on the initiative of the United States, but it was the words of the Chinese president who marked this two-hour interview, on Thursday, July 28. “Those who play with fire are likely to burn themselves to death,” said Xi Jinping about Taiwan. For the past few days, Beijing has been threatening “consequences” if the president of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, is carrying out a project to visit the island.
Four months after their last video conversation, on March 18, the war in Ukraine remains a concern, as well as the trade tensions between the two countries, but the question of Taiwan returned to the front of the scene made of recent news. In recent years, Beijing puts up pressure, including military, on the island, pushing the United States to strengthen its support for Taipei.
Joe Biden also pointed out that the American position on Taiwan had “not changed”: “The United States firmly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo and call into question peace and stability In the Taiwan Strait, “said the president, the White House statement said. In recent years, China has increased the tone about Taiwan: Chinese aviation maneuvers near the island are increasingly frequent, and Xi Jinping has several times assured that Taiwan’s “reunification” with the China could be done “by force if necessary”.
“much more dangerous question”
XI Jinping had already used the image of the fire during a previous interview with the American president. “XI used a common expression, but, addressed to a president of the United States, this is a very strong warning, estimates Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies, in London. What is ironic is that Xi should meditate on his own words: who plays with fire on Taiwan? This is a question of point of view. “
Most states officially recognize Communist China and not the Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan, forcing them to diplomatic contortions to maintain relations with the island without offending Beijing, which is harvested with each visit. The last of an American chamber president in Taiwan dates back to 1997. “But, at the time, the United States had obvious military superiority, said Professor Tsang. China had obviously reacted, but not in such threatening terms. Xi Jinping has raised the issues and made Taiwan a much more dangerous question. “
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