US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to embark on a visit to China from April 24 to 26, as announced by the US Department of State. During his trip, Blinken will engage in discussions with Chinese officials in both Shanghai and Beijing, covering a wide array of bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Among the topics slated for discussion are the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, cross-strait matters, and tensions in the South China Sea. The Department of State emphasized that Blinken’s agenda will also include addressing commitments made by Presidents Biden and Xi during the Woodside Summit last November. These commitments encompass various areas such as counternarcotics cooperation, military-to-military communication, artificial intelligence, and bolstering people-to-people ties.
Accompanying Secretary Blinken on this diplomatic mission are several key officials, including Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Todd Robinson, and Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick.
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Speaking to reporters, a senior State Department official underscored the importance of Blinken’s visit in reinforcing communication channels between the US and China to mitigate the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts. The official also highlighted Blinken’s intention to address the crisis in Burma and emphasize the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Regarding Blinken’s objectives for the visit, another senior State Department official outlined the focus on making progress on key issues of concern. These include advocating for US interests and values, expressing concerns over human rights violations, unfair economic practices, and China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. Blinken is also expected to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including provocations in the South China Sea and North Korea’s actions.
The official emphasized that the US aims to responsibly manage its competition with China through intense diplomacy and open communication channels. Blinken’s visit comes on the heels of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent trip to China and a meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last November, where concerns over human rights abuses were raised.
As Blinken prepares to engage with Chinese officials, the visit underscores the complex dynamics shaping US-China relations and the ongoing efforts to address critical issues through diplomatic dialogue.
