In a tense phone call the US president hears that Beijing will retaliate if the island is treated as if it is sovereign
Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden on Thursday against “playing with fire” over Taiwan, as tensions grow over a mooted visit by a prominent US politician to the island.
In a more than two-hour-long phone call described by Beijing as "candid", Mr Xi reiterated Beijing’s long-time stance that it considered Taiwan – a self-governed territory – to be an inalienable part of China, according to a Chinese statement.
“China firmly opposes separatist moves toward ‘Taiwan independence’ and interference by external forces,” noted the summary, released by the foreign ministry in Beijing.
“Those playing with fire will get burnt,” Mr Xi was described as saying to Mr Biden. “It is hoped the US will be clear-eyed about this.”
In recent weeks, Beijing has escalated its warnings of retaliation if Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, visits Taiwan as has been reported. Ms Pelosi has yet to confirm details of her trip to Asia, which could begin as early as Monday. It would make her the most senior US politician to visit the island in decades.
Washington supported the 'one-China policy'
The White House's shorter read-out did not mention the Chinese leader's warning, but said Mr Biden repeated the US policy that Washington supported the "one-China policy" on Taiwan – thus not recognising the island as a separate nation.
However, Mr Biden also told Mr Xi that the US “strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan strait”.
The White House described the call as “a part of the Biden administration’s efforts to maintain and deepen lines of communication”, with the two leaders discussing topics including climate change and health security.
Ms Pelosi's trip was originally slated for the spring but was cancelled at the last minute after she caught Covid. It has now reportedly been rescheduled, much to Beijing's ire.
“If the United States goes ahead with this, the Chinese military will never watch and do nothing,” a Chinese ministry of defence spokesman, Tan Kefei, said this week.
“It will take strong measures to thwart any external interference and separatist plans for ‘Taiwan independence’ and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Mr Tan.
China has also increased military activity involving Taiwan, sending scores of fighter jets near the island in shows of force.