US' Antony Blinken expressed Taiwan concerns to China's Wang Yi in call
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Mr Antony Blinken and Mr Wang Yi at the G20 summit in Rome on Oct 31. They also discussed preparations for US President Joe Biden's virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping.
PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON (BLOOMBERG) - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over China's continued military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan in a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Nov 12.
Mr Blinken urged Beijing "to engage in meaningful dialogue" to resolve Taiwan Strait issues "peacefully and in a manner consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people in Taiwan", US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 13).
The two officials also discussed preparations for US President Joe Biden's upcoming virtual meeting with President Xi Jinping.
The summit is set for Monday evening Washington time, which is Tuesday morning in Beijing.
"The meeting presents an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss how to responsibly manage competition between the United States and the PRC while working together in areas where interests align," Mr Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China.
Mr Blinken also stressed the importance of taking measures to ensure global energy supply and price volatility do not imperil global economic recovery, according to the statement.
Both the US and China have clashed increasingly over Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province to be reunified, by force, if necessary.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement on Saturday quoted Mr Wang as telling Mr Blinken: "If the United States really wants to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, it should clearly and resolutely oppose any Taiwan pro-independence behaviour."
