China and US Make Progress in Talks, Hopeful for Improved Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Beijing: 19th of June, 2023)
Image Credit: Google

President Xi Jinping of China has expressed that progress has been made on several issues during the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The meeting, lasting around 30 minutes, marked the conclusion of Blinken's closely watched trip.

The trip also included his discussions with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Qin Gang that lasted about seven hours and three hours respectively.

Hopes for Meeting between Xi and Biden:

Hopes are high that these two days of talks could pave the way for a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Xi later this year.

The two leaders last met in November at the G20 summit in Bali, where they pledged to enhance communication.

However, since then, tensions have risen due to disagreements over matters such as Taiwan, Balloon incidents and several espionage concerns, particularly linking to Cuba.

President Xi assured the US secretary of state that China's position has been made clear, and both sides have agreed to uphold the understandings reached between President Biden and Xi in Bali.

Emphasis on Stable and Healthy China-US Relationship:

a. Xi’s Remarks:

Xi further stated that progress has been achieved, and agreements have been reached on specific issues.

China's state news agency Xinhua reported that Xi emphasized the desire for a stable and healthy relationship between China and US.

He also urged the US not to “hurt China’s legitimate rights and interests”.

In addition, he expressed confidence in overcoming difficulties. According to him, the two countries “can overcome various difficulties”.

b. Blinken’s Remarks:

Blinken acknowledged the obligation and responsibility of both countries to manage their relationship, emphasizing the United States' commitment to doing so.

He echoed China's leadership in the need to stabilize relations, while acknowledging significant disagreements.

The US secretary of state stressed the importance of direct engagement and continuous communication at senior levels to responsibly handle differences and prevent competition from escalating into conflict.

Indication of a Positive and Fruitful visit amid Disagreements:

Although there remain numerous areas of disagreement, Al Jazeera's reporter in Beijing, Katrina Yu, described Blinken's visit as a positive sign.

She indicated goodwill and respect as both nations strive to repair their strained relationship.

She also highlighted minor wins from the meeting and anticipated further high-level discussions between Washington and Beijing.

While there are positive signals from Blinken's visit, Beijing has been candid about the existence of major disagreements.

Wang Yi, China's director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, blamed the US for the deterioration in their relationship, particularly emphasizing Taiwan as a "core interest" with no room for compromise.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the current low point in relations to the US side's flawed perception and policies towards China.

The Outcomes:

The visit took place place at a time when the two superpowers were at odd with each due to several issues.

This could pave the way for a high level meeting the two Presidents. Both the leaders are expected to meet in the side-lines of upcoming G20 summit schedule in September at New Delhi.

Xi has been invited to travel to San Francisco in November when the US hosts leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping

The meeting between Blinken and Qin Gang, which lasted over seven and a half hours, resulted in positive outcomes.

This included an agreement to increase commercial flights between the two countries.

Liu Fu-kuo, a research fellow at Taiwan's National Chengchi University, viewed the talks between Blinken and Xi as a positive development for the region, though cautioning against premature conclusions.

He suggested that the resumption of talks and a hopeful summit later this year are possible, signaling an encouraging step by both sides.

If we conclude:

The talks between China and the United States have shown signs of progress and renewed efforts to improve their relationship.

Although, challenges and disagreements persist, but the commitment to dialogue and cooperation provides hope for a more stable and positive future between the two nations.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)