U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to the Chinese mainland from April 24 to 26 underscored ongoing challenges in the U.S.-China relationship. The trip, part of renewed high-level diplomacy following the Xi-Biden summit last November, aimed to address pressing issues and assess the current state of bilateral ties.
One of the primary topics discussed was the United States’ restrictive policies on trade, particularly in high-tech sectors. The U.S. has sought to convince China to reduce its exports under the pretext of addressing overcapacity and has pressured China to limit its trade with Russia, especially in areas that could enhance Russia’s military capabilities. However, China has stood firm on its positions, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and non-interference.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed strong concerns during his four-hour meeting with Blinken. He criticized the U.S. for taking measures that suppress China’s economy, trade, science, and technology sectors, stating that such actions are not fair competition but rather containment and risk creation. Wang Yi underscored that negative factors in the bilateral relationship are increasing and urged the U.S. to refrain from crossing China’s red lines.
In a formal meeting with President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader reiterated the principles necessary for a stable China-U.S. relationship. President Xi emphasized that both nations can have their own friends and partners without targeting or harming each other. He highlighted the need for cooperation and mutual understanding to navigate the complexities of global affairs.
Blinken’s visit did not yield significant shifts in China’s stance, particularly regarding its relationships with other nations such as Russia. The enduring tensions highlight the challenges both countries face in finding common ground on critical issues affecting the global political and economic landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
