In call with Biden Xi warns against 'playing with fire' over Taiwan

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a fifth call as leaders on Thursday, and Xi warned against "playing with fire" over Taiwan, as concerns mounted over a possible visit to Chinese-claimed island by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Chinese state media said Xi told Biden that the United States should abide by the "one-China principle" and stressed that China firmly opposed Taiwanese independence and interference of external forces.

Beijing has issued escalating warnings about repercussions should Pelosi - a Democrat like Biden - visit Taiwan, a...