 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Bejing, China, June 18, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Leah Millis/Pool)
|
Having postponed a February trip after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over US airspace, Blinken is the highest-ranking US government official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021.
During his stay through Monday, Blinken is expected to meet with Foreign Minister Qin Gang, State Councilor and Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi, and possibly President Xi Jinping.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday before departing for Beijing, Blinken said his trip had three main objectives: setting up mechanisms for crisis management, advancing US and allies' interests and speaking directly about related concerns, and exploring areas of potential cooperation.
During Wednesday’s phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Blinken underlined the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the US-China relationship to avoid miscalculation and conflict. He made clear the US would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation.
Qin expressed the hope that the US will work with China to effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, stabilize the relationship from further deterioration, and bring it back to the track of sound and stable development.