President Biden objected to China’s “coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan during his first in-person meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The leaders of the two superpowers aimed to “manage” differences between their nations as they compete for global influence.

The nearly three-hour sit down came at a critical juncture for the two countries amid increasing economic and security tensions. Biden said at a press conference that when it comes to China the U.S would, “Compete vigorously, but I’m not looking for conflict.”

Biden also said on Monday that Democrats still lack the power to codify abortion right into law, despite his party’s stronger-than-expected performance in the midterm elections.

Biden’s blunt comments reflected how Democrats’ euphoria over their strength in the midterms will soon collide with the likely reality of divided government in Washington.

During the campaign, Biden said that if Democrats picked up seats, the first piece of legislation that he would send to Congress would be to enact a nationwide right to abortion.

The Twin Cities metro area is being hit with its first major snowfall of the season Monday. The area can expect 3 inches of snow over the next 48 hours.

Elaina Mankowski can be reached at mank2823@stthomas.edu.