Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is scheduled to visit China on Wednesday amid heightened tensions between the two nations. The visit comes as the United States increases pressure on China over its support for Russia while also attempting to manage strained relations with Beijing.
During his visit to Beijing on Friday, Blinken is expected to engage with top Chinese officials, urging for restraint as Taiwan inaugurates a new leader. Additionally, he will address US concerns regarding Chinese trade practices, a significant issue for President Joe Biden, particularly in an election year.
Efforts to stabilize relations are evident, with tensions between the two largest economies gradually easing since Blinken’s last visit in June. During that visit, he became the highest-ranking US official to visit China in five years, followed by a summit between the presidents of both nations in November.
During the summit in California, Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to several US requests, including restoring military contacts and cracking down on precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, a potent painkiller contributing to addiction issues in the United States.
Blinken will commence his visit on Wednesday in Shanghai, where he plans to meet with students and business leaders, emphasizing the positive connections between the American and Chinese people. This friendly gesture marks the first visit by a US secretary of state to Shanghai since Hillary Clinton’s visit in 2010.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, the US remains firm on its stance regarding China’s support for Russia. While pleased that Beijing has not directly supplied weapons to Moscow, the US accuses China of providing industrial materials and technology to Russia, particularly in recent weeks.
The Biden administration’s approach towards China contrasts sharply with its efforts to isolate Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Washington has urged European leaders, such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, to stand firm against China’s support for Russia, viewing stable ties with the West as essential for China amid domestic economic challenges.
Progress has been noted in addressing the fentanyl issue since the November summit, with China reportedly taking law enforcement measures. However, Blinken will push for further implementation during his visit.
Another point of contention between the US and China is new legislation requiring TikTok to be divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or be barred from the American market. President Biden intends to sign this legislation, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
As the US election approaches, Chinese leaders are adopting a cautious approach, focusing on stabilizing relations until there is clarity on the next administration. Both sides are keen on maintaining stability, albeit with underlying tensions and competing interests.
