BusinessWorld February 11, 2021 | 6:20 pm JOSEPH R. BIDEN, in his first conversation as president with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, spoke of his concern about Chinaâs âcoercive and unfair economic practicesâ as well as human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region, according to a White House account of their telephone call. Mr. Biden also expressed misgivings about the countryâs growing restrictions on political freedoms in Hong Kong and âincreasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan,â in the call, which took place Thursday morning Beijing time. Mr. Biden, who wished Mr. Xi a happy Lunar New Year, was âcommitted to pursuing practical, results-oriented engagements when it advances the interests of the American people and those of our allies,â the White House said.