Under the Biden administration, Washington and Beijing have clashed over human rights, trade, the South China Sea and Taiwan. As the United States attempts to engage China on climate pledges ahead of a key international summit in November, there have been few signs of progress. A 90-minute call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden last week resulted in few specifics. During the call, Xi said U.S. policies have caused “serious difficulties” in the relationship, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.