Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit the United States from October 26-28 in an effort to mend the strained relations between the two countries amidst global geopolitical challenges. This upcoming visit follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials’ trip to Beijing in June.
The primary goal for the US is to prevent conflicts arising from their disagreements with China and to foster collaboration on mutual concerns. Since Blinken’s visit, other US politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have traveled to China, primarily focusing on climate change discussions.
Officials have highlighted the importance of direct, in-person diplomacy, emphasizing its effectiveness in addressing challenging issues, rectifying miscommunication, and exploring potential collaboration areas. The topics of discussion during Wang’s visit are expected to encompass the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ongoing Ukraine war, and the rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The US’s support for Israel and Ukraine is evident through its military aid, while China has been moving closer to Russia since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. China has also advocated for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. US officials intend to urge China to adopt a more constructive approach towards these matters.
Recently, Wang engaged in phone calls with the foreign ministers of Israel and Palestine, expressing concern over civilian casualties in the conflict and re-emphasizing China’s stance on a ceasefire and the two-state solution. The US recognizes China’s potential role in influencing Iran and has sought China’s assistance in the region.
Wang’s trip coincides with the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco. Speculations have arisen about a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, this hasn’t been confirmed, and Beijing has remained silent about Xi’s possible attendance at the APEC summit.
The bilateral relations between the US and China have been tense since 2018, with disputes over trade, the Xinjiang situation, militarization of the South China Sea, Taiwan, and COVID-19’s origins among the primary issues. The last time Biden and Xi met was in November 2022 at the G20 meeting in Indonesia. They then agreed to resume talks and increase exchanges.
Concerns about territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas are also expected to be on the agenda. The recent altercation where Chinese coastguard vessels allegedly collided with Filipino vessels on a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal, which China claims despite it being in Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), has heightened tensions.
Revitalizing military communication between the two nations is a significant objective for the US. Defence Minister Li Shangfu, currently under a corruption probe and not seen publicly for nearly two months, had previously declined US meeting requests. He faced US sanctions in 2018 over Russian weapons purchases.
