In a significant diplomatic exchange between China and the United States, both countries have expressed their commitment to preventing their intense rivalry from escalating into conflict.
However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing failed to produce any major breakthroughs.
The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Blinken and emphasized the importance of a stable relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
Despite the mutual recognition of the need for stability, China declined the US’s proposal to resume military-to-military communication channels, citing US sanctions as the main obstacle. The two sides remained entrenched in their positions on various issues, including Taiwan, trade, China’s chip industry, human rights, and Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
While it remains uncertain how these differences will be overcome, both parties agreed to continue their diplomatic engagement with further visits in the upcoming weeks and months. Blinken, at a concluding news conference, stated that the United States had achieved its objectives for the trip by raising concerns directly, initiating dialogue channels, and exploring potential areas of cooperation. He acknowledged that progress would be challenging and would require time and ongoing communication.
US officials have downplayed the likelihood of a significant breakthrough during the talks. However, they hope that Blinken’s visit will pave the way for more bilateral meetings in the coming months, including possible visits by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
There had been expectations that the visit would lay the groundwork for a summit between President Joe Biden and President Xi later in the year.
President Biden and President Xi last met in November at the G20 summit in Bali, where they pledged to increase communication. However, since then, relations have deteriorated due to issues such as Taiwan, espionage allegations, and other concerns.
During their meeting, Blinken raised contentious topics, including Taiwan, human rights, North Korea, and US concerns regarding Chinese intelligence activities in Cuba. The lack of open communication channels between China and the US has raised concerns worldwide, with China’s reluctance to engage in regular military talks with the US causing alarm among its neighboring countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry official Yang Tao, speaking after the talks, attributed the lack of progress in improving military-to-military communications to US sanctions.
China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu, sanctioned since 2018 for purchasing combat aircraft and equipment from Russia’s Rosoboronexport, remains a key obstacle.
While it remains unclear what specific progress President Xi was referring to, he expressed his hope for a sound and stable China-US relationship. However, he also cautioned the US not to undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests, particularly concerning Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own.
