US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China this weekend to improve the countries’ strained diplomatic relationship.
At the same time, Xi Jinping’s toughened rhetoric has been about preparing China for conflict, write The Wall Street Journal.
– We must be prepared for worst-case and extreme scenarios, says Xi Jinping.
Since last month, the Chinese leader has on two occasions urged the country’s population to prepare for what he calls “extreme scenarios” – thus hinting at increased tension between the US and China.
At a summit on May 30, where the nation’s security policy was discussed, Jinping did not mince his words.
– We must be prepared for worst-case and extreme scenarios, and be ready for major challenges in the form of strong winds, troubled waters and powerful storms, says Xi Jinping.
A week later it was time again, this time with a focus on the Chinese industry. During a visit to an industrial area, Jinping explained that the country’s efforts to build up the national industry are intended to “ensure normal conditions for the national economy under extreme conditions.”
Balloon destroyed the bilateral relationship
Antony Blinken’s visit to China is an attempt to re-establish communications between the US and China. A communication that ended abruptly in connection with the United States shooting down Chinese spy balloons over American territory.
A situation that was then also worsened by the military tensions surrounding Taiwan.
– China wants the US to change its attitude towards China. According to the Chinese side, the US has adopted a policy that tries to hold China back and that could harm China’s so-called core interests, including the issue of Taiwan, says Björn Jerdén, head of the Foreign Policy Institute’s China Center.
– In China, the perception is that the US is taking steps towards something the Chinese see as Taiwanese independence. It’s not the US’s image, they think for their part that it is China that is changing the status quo when they conduct military exercises around Taiwan, says Björn Jerdén.