Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently concluded a visit to Shanghai and Beijing, China, where he engaged in crucial meetings with top Chinese officials. According to Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken met with President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining from April 24-26.
During the meetings, both sides delved into various key priorities in the bilateral relationship and discussed regional and global issues. Miller conveyed that Blinken emphasized the importance of diplomacy in advancing areas of difference and cooperation essential to the American people and the world while responsibly managing competition with China.
Furthermore, Blinken pushed for the implementation of commitments made during the Woodside Summit, focusing on counternarcotics cooperation, enhancing military communication, and addressing challenges related to advanced artificial intelligence. The discussions also touched on strengthening ties between the people of the United States and China through responsible and reciprocal policies promoting exchanges among students, scholars, and businesses.
The Secretary addressed concerns regarding China's economic policies, national security threats, and global economic implications, advocating for fair treatment and a level playing field for U.S. workers and businesses. He reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to defending its interests, preventing the misuse of advanced technologies, and resolving cases of American citizens wrongfully detained in China.
Moreover, Blinken raised issues related to human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, Hong Kong's autonomy, and PRC's support to Russia's defense industrial base. He emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the rule of law in the South China Sea, and preventing escalation in the Middle East.
Both sides affirmed the necessity of maintaining open communication channels and agreed to continue high-level diplomacy to foster interactions between the United States and China in the future.
