Joe Biden slammed for 'dithering' over Taiwan

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White House officials said the long-planned call will have a broad agenda, including Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine which China has yet to condemn.

It comes amid soaring tensions over Taiwan which Beijing sees as a breakaway province and has vowed to reunite with the mainland by force if necessary.

Beijing has warned of repercussions if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan in a show of support for the island.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said: “This is about keeping the lines of communication open with the president of China, one of the most consequential bilateral relationships that we have, not just in that region, but around the world, because it touches so much.”

A source briefed on planning for the call said the Biden administration thinks leader-to-leader engagement is the best way to calm tensions over Taiwan.

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