US seeks allies to counter China's economic influence.

The Biden administration is trying to restart high-level talks with China, including rescheduling Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit and setting up a phone call between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. However, China is rebuffing the U.S. efforts, and its willingness to fully engage may hinge on the drama around the meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Beijing is increasingly resentful about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and official contacts that China says encourage Taiwan’s pro-independence elements.