U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced apprehensions during talks with Chinese officials regarding China’s apparent support for Russia’s military endeavors.
Despite recent diplomatic strides, persistent issues such as trade imbalances remain unresolved, with both nations emphasizing practical exchanges over contentious matters like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
During a five-and-a-half-hour dialogue with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing, Blinken highlighted concerns over China’s assistance to the Russian defense sector.
Discussions also encompassed sensitive topics, including Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Amidst efforts to stabilize relations, Blinken’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored Beijing’s worries about perceived U.S. interference in its economic growth. Xi emphasized the need to address fundamental issues to foster genuine improvement in China-U.S. relations.
While Wang Yi acknowledged a stabilization in the bilateral relationship, he cautioned against escalating negative factors, citing U.S. measures suppressing China’s economic and technological advancements as a significant concern.
The agenda for the discussions was established during a November summit between Presidents Biden and Xi and further discussed in an April follow-up call.
However, signs of discord emerged as President Biden signed a bipartisan bill hours before Blinken’s arrival in China, allocating substantial funds to counter China’s military influence and bolster defense aid to Taiwan and Ukraine.
Issues beyond military and geopolitical concerns were also addressed, including anti-narcotics collaboration and the curbing of China’s fentanyl supply.
Despite these dialogues, tensions persist, with China urging the U.S. to refrain from exaggerating claims about its industrial capacity.
