US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has visited China and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials to address growing tensions between the two countries, Associated Press reports.
During the talks, Blinken raised concerns about China’s support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict, as well as other issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea disputes, human rights, and the production of synthetic opioid precursors.
Blinken stated that Moscow’s sustained military campaign in Ukraine is heavily reliant on Beijing’s purported support. He pressed China’s supply of materials, including machine tools and microelectronics, to Russia, which supports Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. Blinken warned that such support threatens not only Ukrainian security but also European security. Blinken urged China to address this issue, indicating potential consequences if it fails to do so, possibly through sanctions or other measures.
Earlier discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong focused on the US-China relationship. Wang reiterated China’s concerns about US policies, including its stance on the South China Sea, Taiwan, and human rights, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and non-interference in China’s internal affairs. Blinken reiterated unwavering US support for the Philippines, a key ally in Asia.
During the talks, President Xi emphasized the importance of seeking common ground instead of engaging in competitive or confrontational behavior. He expressed China’s desire for a confident, open, and prosperous United States and hoped for mutual respect and understanding in their relationship.
Despite these disagreements, Blinken highlighted areas of cooperation, including military communications, counternarcotics efforts, and discussions on reducing risks associated with artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need for open lines of communication to deal with differences and avoid misunderstandings.
