Secretary of State Antony Blinken commenced two days of crucial diplomatic talks in Beijing on Sunday, with the goal of easing escalating tensions between the US and China, according to the AP. Blinken initiated his visit by engaging in an extensive discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, followed by a working dinner. He is expected to have further discussions with Qin, as well as top diplomat Wang Yi, and potentially President Xi Jinping, on Monday. As they convened at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, neither Blinken nor Qin made substantial comments to the press.
The chances of achieving significant breakthroughs in these talks are slim, as already strained relations between the two nations have grown increasingly tense in recent years. As an example, the Washington Post reports that prior to Blinken’s trip, Qin accused the US of “irresponsible bullying” in a phone call and stated that the US was under the “illusion” that it could confront China from a “position of strength.” Qin further warned Blinken to “show respect.” Blinken is the highest-ranking American official to visit China since President Biden took office and the first secretary of state to make the trip in five years.
The list of disagreements and potential conflict points is extensive, including trade with Taiwan, human rights conditions in China and Hong Kong, Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. Blinken will also urge the Chinese government to release detained American citizens and take measures to reduce the production and export of fentanyl precursors, which are contributing to the opioid crisis in the United States. On Friday, Blinken stated, “Biden and Xi have made commitments to improve communications precisely so that we can make sure we are communicating as clearly as possible to avoid possible misunderstandings and miscommunications.”
During a meeting with Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates on Friday, President Xi hinted at a potential willingness to ease tensions, emphasizing that the US and China can cooperate. Xi stated, “I believe that the foundation of Sino-US relations lies in the people. Under the current world situation, we can carry out various activities that benefit our two countries, the people of our countries, and the entire human race.” President Biden also expressed his hopes for future discussions with Xi, saying, “I’m hoping that over the next several months, I’ll be meeting with Xi again and talking about legitimate differences we have, but also how … to get along.” Originally scheduled for February, the Blinken trip was postponed due to the discovery of what the US claims was a Chinese spy balloon.
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