Amid Row Over Sanctions, Taiwan, China And US Explore Ways To Stabilize Rivalry, But...
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his two-day visit to China on Monday. The two nations didn't decide on anything specific, but acknowledged that communication channels were now open.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday concluded his visit to Beijing, but without significant progress in bilateral relations. China and the United States are striving to prevent their intense rivalry from escalating into conflict. However, with US sanctions on China and the Taiwan issue still open, "progress is difficult". Nevertheless, both sides said that they had made strides and opened communication channels. Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged "progress" after meeting Blinken at the prestigious Great Hall of the People, emphasizing the importance of a stable relationship to avoid global disruption, reported news agency Reuters.
In a statement, the White House said that Blinken had made clear that while the US will compete vigorously, it will responsibly manage that competition so that the relationship does not veer into conflict. The Secretary stressed that the United States would continue to use diplomacy to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation where our interests align.
Although both sides expressed their desire for stability, China declined to resume military-to-military communication channels due to US sanctions. The two nations still remain entrenched in their positions on various issues, including Taiwan, trade, China's chip industry, human rights, and Russia's conflict with Ukraine, reported Reuters.
US President Joe Biden, too, believed that relations between the two countries are moving in the right direction and acknowledged the progress made during Blinken's trip. Biden commends Blinken for his efforts, stating, "We're on the right trail here... He did a remarkable job."
While the visit marks a significant exchange since Biden assumed office, it remains uncertain how the countries will overcome their differences. The parties agree to continue diplomatic engagement with upcoming visits in the following weeks and months.
Both sides agreed on follow up with senior engagements in Washington and Beijing to continue open lines of communication. The Secretary invited State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin to Washington to continue the discussions, and they agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time.
During a news conference concluding his two-day trip, Blinken affirmed that the US had achieved its objectives, including addressing concerns directly, establishing dialogue channels, and exploring areas of cooperation. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the complexity of progress, emphasizing that better communication and engagement will require time and effort.
"The relationship was at a point of instability, and both sides recognized the need to work to stabilize it," Blinken was quoted as saying by Reuters before leaving China.
"But progress is hard. It takes time. And it’s not the product of one visit, one trip, one conversation. My hope and expectation is: we will have better communications, better engagement going forward," Blinken said.
Blinken's meetings in Beijing, including discussions with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and foreign minister Qin Gang, were described as "frank and constructive." Chinese President Xi expressed the need for a sound and stable China-US relationship, while urging the US not to undermine China's legitimate rights and interests, particularly concerning Taiwan.
The lack of open communication channels between the two countries has raised concerns internationally, with Beijing's reluctance to engage in regular military talks with Washington causing alarm among China's neighbours. Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu remains under US sanctions since 2018 due to arms purchases from Russia's main exporter, Rosoboronexport, hindering progress in military-to-military communications.
Although specific progress details were not disclosed, both sides agreed to prevent a further deterioration of relations, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin accepted Blinken's invitation to visit the United States.
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