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| Image Credit: Google |
US Secretary of
State Antony Blinken has confirmed his visit to China this week, marking the
highest-ranking Biden administration official to make the trip.
This visit was
originally scheduled for February but postponed due to increasing tensions.
It aims to
address the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the
two superpowers.
The discussions
will cover various bilateral issues, global and regional matters, and potential
cooperation on shared challenges.
This article
explores the key objectives and expectations surrounding Blinken's visit to
China.
Blinken's Focus on Open Communication and Responsible Competition:
During his
visit to Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior Chinese officials to
emphasize the significance of maintaining open lines of communication between
the US and China.
While the
statement does not specify which officials he will meet, the discussions will
address bilateral concerns, global and regional issues, and opportunities for
cooperation.
US officials
have tempered expectations, stating that the visit does not aim for
breakthroughs but instead seeks to manage competition in a responsible manner.
Prioritizing Military-to-Military Communication:
One of the top
goals of Secretary Blinken's visit is to enhance military-to-military
communication between the US and China.
This aspect has
become an area of concern, given recent tensions.
US officials
stress the necessity of these critical lines of communication, considering the
high stakes involved.
The visit aims
to highlight the importance of maintaining robust military communication
channels.
Recent Phone Call:
In a recent
phone call between Secretary Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang,
Blinken stressed the importance of responsible management and open lines of
communication in the US-China relationship.
Blinken also
conveyed the US's commitment to using diplomatic engagements to address areas
of concern and explore potential cooperation.
China's readout
of the call took a more confrontational tone, stating that the relationship has
faced new difficulties and challenges since the beginning of the year.
Lingering Tensions on Various Fronts:
The US-China
relationship continues to be strained on multiple fronts, including trade,
espionage, military presence in the Indo-Pacific, the conflict in Ukraine, and
the status of Taiwan.
a. Chinese Spy Balloon:
These tensions were evident earlier this year when Secretary
Blinken postponed his planned trip to China amidst a dispute over an alleged
Chinese spy balloon.
b. Spying Through Cuba:
The US has also raised concerns about Chinese spying facilities in
Cuba.
c. Taiwan Problem:
The issue of Taiwan remains sensitive, with the US expressing its
commitment to defend the island in the event of an incursion, while maintaining
a policy of strategic ambiguity.
d. Quad:
The US has
been working to strengthen its alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, including
through initiatives like the informal Quad grouping with Australia, India, and
Japan.
e. AUKUS:
United States and its allies, including the UK, have signed the AUKUS security pact, aimed at equipping Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
Contentious Trade Relations and Export Controls:
US-China trade
relations have been marked by confrontational measures, including aggressive
tariffs maintained by President Biden from the previous administration.
The Biden
administration has also imposed export controls on advanced technologies like
semiconductors, aiming to shift critical supply chains away from China.
These actions
have contributed to a combative trade environment between the two countries.
Accusations of Cold War Mentality:
China has
consistently accused the US of adopting a dangerous "Cold War"
mentality in its approach to bilateral relations.
This rhetoric
reflects the deep-seated tensions and ideological differences that have emerged
between the two superpowers.
Focusing on Better Communication over Confrontation:
Recent
incidents, have underscored the need for improved communication to prevent
accidents and escalation, such as:
- Unsafe
maneuvers by the Chinese military near a US destroyer in the Taiwan Strait and,
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| Image Credit: Google |
- Close
encounters between Chinese and US aircraft,
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| Image Credit: Google |
These incidents have highlighted the necessity of managing military interactions responsibly and avoiding unnecessarily aggressive actions.
Vying for Cooperation Amidst Tensions:
Despite the
ongoing tensions, both the US and China have made efforts to keep the situation
from escalating further.
They have
sought cooperation in certain areas, particularly in addressing climate change.
Last month,
national security adviser Jake Sullivan engaged in extensive discussions with
senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna.
The talks were
described as candid, substantive, and constructive by the US, while China's
embassy in Washington, DC highlighted their focus on removing obstacles and
stabilizing the relationship.
Blinken's Previous Meeting with Wang Yi:
Secretary of
State Blinken had previously met with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in February on
the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
This meeting
provided an opportunity for direct engagement and dialogue between the two officials,
although the details and outcomes of the discussion were not disclosed.
Lastly:
The US-China
relationship remains strained on various fronts, particularly in trade and
technology.
Both countries
have accused each other of adopting harmful mentalities, and tensions persist.
Expectations
for breakthroughs are low, the visit presents an opportunity to address
concerns, explore areas of potential cooperation, and promote
military-to-military communication.
However,
efforts to keep dialogue open and seek cooperation on shared challenges, such
as climate change, demonstrate a willingness to manage the relationship and
avoid further deterioration.
Secretary
Blinken's visit to China presents an important opportunity to navigate the
complexities and discuss key issues that shape the future of US-China
relations.
'Illusion': China comments on US eagerness to engage ahead of Blinken's visit
— Spotlight on China (@spotlightoncn) June 14, 2023
Days ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to Beijing, a Chinese state-affiliated social media commentator on June 13 accused Washington of repeatedly playing tricks and creating an… pic.twitter.com/3yMe5VLpKP
(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)
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