WASHINGTON: Chinese President Xi Jinping has used a virtual summit with US counterpart Joe Biden to warn that encouraging Taiwanese independence would be “playing with fire”, BBC has reported.

The talks are the most substantial since Biden took office in January.

Both sides emphasized the two men’s personal relationship and the summit was an attempt to ease tensions, the report said.

But they could not escape one of the most sensitive topics: the self-ruled island of Taiwan.

China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland one day.

The US recognizes and has formal ties with Taiwan. But it has also pledged to help Taiwan defend itself in the event of an attack, according to BBC.

China’s state-run Global Times said Xi blamed recent tensions on “repeated attempts by the Taiwan authorities to look for US support for their independence agenda as well as the intention of some Americans to use Taiwan to contain China”.

“Such moves are extremely dangerous, just like playing with fire. Whoever plays with fire will get burnt,” it said.

The White House said Biden “strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait”.

Despite the strong words on Taiwan, the meeting began with both leaders greeting each other warmly, with Xi saying he was happy to see his “old friend” Biden.

Biden said the two had “always communicated with one another very honestly and candidly,” adding “we never walk away wondering what the other man is thinking”.

Xi said the two countries needed to improve “communication” and face challenges “together”.

“Humanity lives in a global village, and we face multiple challenges together. China and the US need to increase communication and co-operation.” said Mr Xi.

(With inputs from BBC)