BEIJING: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded two days of talks in Beijing on Monday, acknowledging that both the United States (US) and China are committed to stabilizing their relationship despite significant differences.
Blinken emphasized the importance of direct engagement and sustained communication at senior levels to responsibly manage disagreements and prevent competition from escalating into conflict.
During a press conference in Beijing, Blinken stated, “I heard the same from my Chinese counterparts. We both agree on the need to stabilize our relationship.” He dismissed China’s criticism that the US seeks to economically contain Beijing, reiterating that the US does not aim for economic containment and has no illusions about the challenges posed by the China-US relationship.
Blinken Acknowledges Disagreements Between US and China
President Joe Biden’s administration has identified the growing rivalry with China as the greatest potential threat. Blinken acknowledged that there are profound disagreements between the two nations on many issues. Notably, China has repeatedly pointed to Taiwan as a major area of contention. While the US does not support Taiwan’s independence, Blinken reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the status quo and expressed concerns about provocative actions taken by China in recent years.
The talks in Beijing aimed to bridge the divide between the two superpowers and find areas of cooperation while managing their differences. Despite the acknowledgement of challenges, both sides expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards stabilizing the relationship.
The United States has imposed restrictions on the export of high-end semiconductors to China, but Blinken clarified that this move was not part of an economic containment strategy. The US remains vigilant in safeguarding its interests and ensuring fair competition.
While specific details about the discussions were not provided, the talks between Blinken and Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, are seen as a step towards easing tensions and seeking common ground. The efforts to stabilize the relationship between the US and China have implications for global stability and cooperation on various issues.
