Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on a trip to China in the coming week as part of the Biden administration's efforts to maintain stability in the US-China relationship. This will be Blinken's second visit to China since assuming his role as the top US diplomat.
The upcoming trip follows a recent phone call between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a renewed dialogue between the two leaders. A senior State Department official noted that the bilateral relationship has improved significantly compared to a year ago when tensions were at a historic low.
During his visit, Blinken will meet with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing, with three primary objectives in mind. These objectives include making progress on key issues, addressing concerns on bilateral, regional, and global matters, and responsibly managing competition between the two nations.
Key topics of discussion are expected to include China's support for Russia, human rights abuses, unfair economic practices, and the situation in the Middle East. The US has urged China to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions in regions such as the Middle East and the South China Sea.
Blinken's visit comes in the context of ongoing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including provocations in the South China Sea and North Korea's actions. The Secretary of State will also emphasize the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Previous engagements between US and Chinese officials have focused on resuming communication channels and addressing areas of contention. Blinken's upcoming trip underscores the Biden administration's commitment to engaging with China while also addressing areas of disagreement.
Overall, the visit is seen as an opportunity to advance dialogue, address concerns, and promote stability in the US-China relationship amidst a complex global landscape.
