Numerous points of contention are on the agenda.
(Photo: dpa)
Beijing Antony Blinken is the first US Secretary of State to arrive in China for talks in five years. He was greeted by his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang at the entrance to the Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing on Sunday. On the way into the building, the two politicians had a brief exchange and shook hands in front of a Chinese and an American flag.
The press was then only allowed into the conference room for a short time. The two delegations sat opposite each other at two long tables in the government guest house. Neither Blinken nor Qin spoke to the journalists.
The visit was originally planned for February. However, Blinken canceled the trip at short notice because of a suspected spy balloon over the United States. Relations between the two great powers are strained.
Meetings with other high-ranking Chinese government officials are planned during the visit, which will last until Monday. There is speculation that Blinken could meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday. Initially, there was no confirmation from Beijing.
In the run-up to his trip, Blinken had emphasized the need for communication in a phone call with Qin, among other things to avoid conflicts. Qin called for US concessions to ease tensions and end interference in internal affairs. The US hopes Blinken’s visit will pave the way for more top-level bilateral meetings, up to and including Presidents Joe Biden and Xi meeting at international summits in the second half of the year.
Shaking hands before the long-awaited talks.
(Photo: AP)
Biden said Saturday he hopes a meeting with Xi will be possible in a few months. On Friday, Xi again expressed hope for a lasting friendship between the People’s Republic and the United States.
Relations between Beijing and Washington have been strained over a number of issues. Among other things, China’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, Beijing’s threats against the democratic island republic of Taiwan and the ongoing trade dispute between the two countries are causing contention. The Biden government sees the greatest geopolitical challenge in China. Beijing, in turn, accuses the United States of hegemonic ambitions.
More: These are the biggest bones of contention between China and the US