US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a frank phone call, the first direct interaction since a summit in November.

The leaders clashed on issues including Taiwan's status and US trade restrictions on Chinese technology, highlighting ongoing tensions.

Despite disagreements, the call aimed to resolve rather than merely manage differences, signaling a commitment to improving bilateral relations.

President Xi criticized US technology bans for economic risks, while President Biden stood firm against Xi's appeals.

The conversation underscored the importance of responsible management of the US-China relationship, with both sides recognizing the global impact.

In a sign of diplomatic engagement, top US officials are scheduled to visit Beijing, and the US is bolstering alliances with planned visits from Japanese and Philippine leaders.

The renewed dialogue represents a departure from the heightened tensions characteristic of US-China interactions under the Trump administration.