But Biden hasn’t spoken to Xi since taking office in January, saying, “We haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet. There is no reason not to call him. “
Biden’s policies on U.S.-China relations have been tested since the Democrat took office last month – from the overturn of Trump’s tariffs and sanctions to the consequences of the military coup in Myanmar. And the way the government moves forward in these first few months is likely to set expectations for the United States in the future.
In the back pocket, he also has a long-standing relationship with Xi. During his vice presidency, Biden notes that he spent more time with Xi than most world leaders.
“I had 24, 25 hours of private meetings with him when he was vice president,” said Biden. “He traveled 17,000 miles with him. I know him very well. “
Senator Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) said in “Face the Nation” that China will be one of Biden’s biggest international challenges.
“He will have three problems here: what to do with Iran differently than Trump, what to do with China differently than Trump and how to change Trump’s immigration policies without creating a border race,” said Graham. “I would warn President Biden because Trump did that, it doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”