WASHINGTON(Reuters)-During the visit of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Japan, the US is downplaying expectations for a major breakthrough. It was the first visit by a US secretary of state in five years and came amid tensions between Blankenship and China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Blinken’s visit is aimed at strengthening strained ties between the world’s two largest economies amid souring ties and growing fears of potential conflict. But U.S. officials value pragmatic and responsible competition management over a quick turnaround in bilateral relations.
Since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, US-China relations have faced many challenges on multiple fronts, including trade disputes, tensions over Taiwan, and human rights issues. Relations were strained after the February visit was canceled after what appeared to be a Chinese reconnaissance balloon flew over U.S. airspace. As Blinken prepares to visit China as a senior U.S. government official, it is hoped that lines of communication will be open to prevent competition from escalating into conflict. But officials are wary of hoping for a breakthrough during their visit, instead focusing on open and constructive discussions to address key concerns.
U.S. officials, led by Daniel Curtinbrink, the top diplomat for East Asia at the State Department, laid out the goals and expectations of Mr. Blankenship’s visit. The main goal is to establish stable lines of communication and maintain peace and stability across the Strait. In addition, the situation in Ukraine and other important issues will be discussed. But officials stressed that the Tour is not about achieving comprehensive progress, but about approaching the competition responsibly. The United States hopes to stabilize relations through pragmatic and sovereign diplomacy, but concrete results are not the focus of this visit.
The visit, scheduled for June 18-19, will include a series of meetings between Blinken and senior Chinese officials. However, it has not been announced which officials, including President Xi Jinping, will meet. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said an announcement about the meeting would be made in the next few days. Crisis communication mechanisms are another important aspect of the visit. The United States advocates open military dialogue to reduce the risk of conflict. The visit is intended to lay the groundwork for future bilateral talks and pave the way for possible visits by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimond in the coming months.
Face-to-face meetings between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping during the G20 summit in Bali have failed to defuse tensions. The talks also raised important issues such as Taiwan and North Korea’s nuclear program, but made no progress. Recent ballooning accidents and visits by US and Taiwanese officials have increased tensions between the US and China. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Foreign Minister Qin Gang, called on the United States to stop using competition as an excuse to interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.
Despite the challenges, US officials believe Blankenship’s visit will open the door to future bilateral relations. A potential visit by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimond will be considered in the coming months. White
