The United States and China have made commitments to stabilize their strained relationship following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s two-day visit to Beijing. In the course of his visit, Blinken engaged in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, symbolizing the resumption of high-level dialogues between the competing superpowers.
President Xi stated that progress had been made, while Blinken indicated that both sides were open to further talks. However, the US diplomat made it clear that significant differences remained between the two nations.
In a press briefing after their 35-minute meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square, Blinken emphasized the importance of sustained communication at senior levels to responsibly manage differences and prevent competition from escalating into conflict. He stated that he heard a similar sentiment from his Chinese counterparts, highlighting the shared understanding of the need to stabilize the relationship.
Nonetheless, Blinken, aged 61, maintained a realistic perspective on China, acknowledging that there were numerous issues on which the two countries profoundly disagreed, even vehemently.
Relations between Beijing and Washington had deteriorated due to the trade war initiated during the Trump era, China’s assertive claims over Taiwan, and the shooting down of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over the US earlier this year.
Following Blinken’s visit, the first by a top US diplomat to China in nearly five years, President Xi suggested that relations could be moving in a positive direction. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made and the agreement reached on certain specific issues.
The meeting with President Xi was not originally scheduled but was announced only an hour before it took place. Its occurrence prevented it from being seen as a snub, particularly since Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had met with President Xi in Beijing earlier in the week.
The visit by Blinken, which also included meetings with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, is considered a successful re-engagement with the Chinese government after months of strained relations.
President Xi’s decision to meet with Blinken also sent a message to the Chinese people that his government was reaching out to Washington. He stressed that the international community was concerned about Sino-US relations, emphasizing its significance for “the future destiny of mankind.”
Blinken agreed, stating that continued communication between the two countries was “absolutely vital” and affirmed the commitment to work on this aspect.
The US has characterized China as a rival and competitor rather than an adversary, although the competition, both militarily and economically, is intensifying. Taiwan remains a major point of contention between the two nations and carries the highest potential for escalation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that Taiwan was an issue on which there was “no room to compromise,” while Foreign Minister Qin Gang labeled it the most important and prominent risk in China-US relations.
China considers self-ruled Taiwan a breakaway province, and President Xi has expressed his desire to bring Taiwan under Beijing’s control during his term, even if it requires force. However, Taiwan regards itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and leadership. Last year, US President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend Taiwan in the event of an attack from China, a statement that Beijing condemned.
The US has maintained its One China policy, implying recognition of only one Chinese government. Blinken reaffirmed this stance, stating that the policy had not changed and that the US did not support Taiwan independence.
