At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday to discuss pressing issues affecting China-U.S. relations. The high-level dialogue touched on sensitive topics including Taiwan, the South China Sea, and technological cooperation.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the importance of the United States adhering to the one-China principle. He urged the U.S. government to publicly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ and to support China’s goal of peaceful reunification.
Expressing concern over recent U.S. actions, Wang criticized what he described as a ‘two-faced’ approach from Washington—engaging in dialogue while simultaneously suppressing China through economic and technological measures. He called for a more rational and respectful engagement between the two nations, advocating for cooperation and careful management of differences instead of unilateral actions.
Highlighting the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Wang warned that movements toward ‘Taiwan independence’ threaten regional peace. He reiterated that if the United States genuinely seeks stability in the region, it must honor the one-China principle, cease arms sales to Taiwan, and support China’s efforts toward peaceful reunification.
On the South China Sea issue, Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue with directly involved parties. He urged the United States to refrain from actions that could incite tensions and disrupt the peace and stability of the region.
Wang also addressed concerns over U.S. interference in China’s internal affairs under the guise of human rights and national security. He called for the removal of barriers to cultural exchanges to foster better understanding between the two peoples.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Wang Yi reiterated China’s consistent stance of promoting dialogue and peace. He urged the United States to halt what he described as smear campaigns and unilateral sanctions against China, noting that such actions only exacerbate global divisions.
Both Wang and Blinken acknowledged the candid and substantive nature of their discussions. They agreed on the necessity of finding a path toward peaceful coexistence and expressed a commitment to implementing key agreements reached by their respective leaders during the recent meeting in San Francisco. The two sides concurred on enhancing dialogue, managing differences, and promoting stable and healthy bilateral relations while maintaining communication on regional and international issues.
The meeting between Wang Yi and Antony Blinken represents a critical step in addressing the complexities of China-U.S. relations. As both nations navigate a landscape fraught with challenges, the emphasis on open dialogue and mutual respect may pave the way for more constructive engagement in the future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
