SHANGHAI: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China on Wednesday amidst escalating pressure on Beijing over its support for Russia, while also aiming to navigate tensions between the two global powers.
Blinken is scheduled to meet China’s top officials on Friday in Beijing, where he will advocate for restraint during Taiwan’s leadership transition and address US concerns regarding Chinese trade practices, a critical issue for President Joe Biden in an election year.
This visit comes as part of efforts to stabilize US-China relations, with noticeable easing of tensions between the world’s largest economies since Blinken’s last visit in June.
The recent summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in November marked progress, where China agreed to key US requests such as restoring military contacts and cracking down on precursor chemicals linked to the opioid crisis in the US.
Blinken commenced his visit by stopping in Shanghai on Wednesday, engaging with students and business leaders to emphasize positive interactions between the American and Chinese peoples. This friendly outreach marks a significant shift from previous perceptions of a new Cold War, reflecting a broader eagerness within the Biden administration to engage China despite ongoing strategic competition.
The Biden administration’s approach towards China contrasts sharply with its stance on Russia following the Ukraine invasion. While initially relieved that China did not directly supply weapons to Russia, the US has grown increasingly critical, accusing China of providing material and technology support to Moscow.
Washington has urged European allies, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, to stand firm against Russia, emphasizing that stable ties with the West are vital for China amid domestic economic challenges.
Ahead of a potential election rematch with Donald Trump, President Biden has openly criticized China’s trade practices, accusing Beijing of “cheating” on steel exports and hinting at higher tariffs. Blinken, on the eve of his visit, reiterated allegations of genocide against the Uyghur minority, a longstanding concern raised by the Trump administration.
Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center, suggests that Chinese leaders are focused on maintaining stability in the relationship amid uncertainties surrounding the US election. The Chinese leadership, prioritizing economic issues, is adopting a cautious approach, waiting to see the outcomes of the upcoming US election before charting their strategy for engagement with the United States.
