US and China Leaders Hold First Talks

US President Joe Biden has held his first phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two sides discussed a number of pressing issues. This was reported by the White House press service.

In the statement, it is noted that during the first contact, the White House chief congratulated his counterpart and the entire Chinese people on the occasion of the New Year.

Subsequently, Biden confirmed that ensuring the security, prosperity, health, and lifestyle of the American people, as well as maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, are his top priorities.

Biden expressed concern regarding the repression in Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Taiwan.

During the call, the two sides also discussed measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and general issues of global health security, as well as matters related to climate change and the prevention of weapons proliferation.