Biden speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in first call since November meeting

Washington — President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone Tuesday, the White House said, marking the first time the two leaders have talked since they met in-person last November.

The president and his Chinese counterpart discussed artificial intelligence, counternarcotics and climate issues, according to the White House's summary of the call. A senior administration official who previewed the call said Mr. Biden was also set to stress the need for peace and stability in Taiwan before next month's inauguration of Lai Ching-te, who won the island's presidential election in January, and reiterate the U.S. commitment to the longstanding "One China" policy.

The White House said the discussion was "candid and constructive," and touched on a variety of bilateral, regional and global issues. Mr. Biden and Xi "welcomed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication and responsibly manage the relationship through high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations in the weeks and months ahead," according to the White House.