In their first in-person meeting in a year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden discussed several critical global issues, with Taiwan emerging as a focal point of their dialogue. President Xi underscored that the Taiwan issue is the most pressing and potentially perilous matter in the relationship between the United States and China.

Xi Jinping conveyed China's preference for a peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers a part of its territory. However, he also alluded to circumstances in which China might resort to using force. This stance reflects China's longstanding policy towards Taiwan, which has been a major point of contention in its foreign relations, particularly with the United States.

For his part, President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The U.S. has traditionally supported Taiwan, providing arms for its self-defense and advocating for its participation in international forums, while carefully navigating its complex relationship with China.

Taiwan's strategy in this geopolitical climate has been to strengthen its defense capabilities and garner international support as a means to deter any potential aggressive actions from China. The island has been increasingly vigilant in the face of China's growing military presence in the region.

The Biden-Xi meeting, which addressed a range of global issues, highlights the delicate balance both leaders must maintain in managing U.S.-China relations, especially regarding Taiwan. The Taiwan Strait remains one of the most sensitive and potentially volatile geopolitical flashpoints, with implications for regional and global stability. The dialogue between the two leaders reflects an ongoing effort to manage these complex dynamics while acknowledging the deep-seated differences that exist between the two nations.