In a bid to address a range of unresolved issues and further stabilise relations between the United States and China, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China’s top official in Shanghai on Thursday.
The meeting comes amidst a backdrop of improving ties between the two nations, following a period of heightened tensions that reached historic lows last year.
Blinken’s visit marks the latest in a series of high-level contacts between the U.S. and China, including working groups focusing on various global issues such as trade and military communication.
While public acrimony has lessened, significant challenges remain, including the supply of chemicals by China used in the production of fentanyl, tensions in the South China Sea, and differences over China’s support for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking at the start of the meeting with Chen Jining, the Chinese Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai, Blinken emphasised the importance of direct engagement and dialogue in addressing differences between the two nations. Chen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact of cooperation versus confrontation on the well-being of both peoples and the future of humanity.
In addition to his meeting with local officials, Blinken is scheduled to meet with business leaders and students before heading to Beijing for talks with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and a likely meeting with President Xi Jinping. However, tensions loom large over these upcoming discussions.
Shortly after Blinken’s arrival in Shanghai, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill allocating $8 billion to counter China’s military capabilities, as well as significant defense aid for Taiwan and Ukraine.
Additionally, Biden signed a separate bill that could potentially lead to the banning of the popular short video app TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, fails to divest it within the specified timeframe.
During his meetings in China, Blinken is expected to address concerns over Chinese firms’ support for Russia’s defense industry in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. While China has refrained from directly supplying arms to Russia, there are concerns that Chinese companies are providing dual-use technology that aids Russia’s war effort.
A senior State Department official indicated that Washington is prepared to take action against Chinese firms believed to be compromising U.S. and European security interests, though specifics were not provided.
Meanwhile, Chinese state media have expressed skepticism about the potential outcomes of the discussions, highlighting ongoing tensions and differences in perception between the two nations.
As both sides navigate these complex issues, the meetings between Blinken and Chinese officials represent a crucial opportunity to address key concerns and pave the way for continued dialogue and cooperation between the United States and China.
Chioma Kalu
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