Suspected spy balloons. Conflict over Taiwan. Allegations of industrial espionage.
Despite opposition, Foreign Minister Antony Blinken has landed in China for a rare visit. The giant countries strive for a more stable relationship – but hopes for the trip are low.
In recent years, the relationship between the world’s two largest economies has been marred by friction in several areas, including trade, human rights and the US’s view of Taiwan. Blinken’s trip to Beijing was initially planned for February, but was postponed due to the suspected Chinese spy balloons that were then shot down off the US East Coast.
During the night of Sunday, Swedish time, the foreign minister landed in China as the first American top diplomat in almost five years. During his visit, he will “discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in order to responsibly manage relations between the United States and China,” the State Department writes in a statement. This applies not least to defense contacts.
“Realistic” view
US diplomat Daniel Kritenbrink, who has special responsibility for Southeast Asia, states that the US has a “realistic” view of what Blinken can achieve during the visit.
– We are not going to Beijing with the aim of having some sort of breakthrough or big change, he said earlier this week, reports the AFP news agency.
Instead, Blinken comes to China with a “sincere desire to deal with our competition as responsibly as possible,” Kritenbrink said.
Two days of calls
Talks with high-ranking representatives of China are planned for both Sunday and Monday. The US Secretary of State is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the visit.
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Bali in November and then agreed to try to avoid the tensions between the countries worsening too much.
FACTS
China
With just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is the world’s most populous country. The capital is Beijing.
The Communist Party took power in China in 1949 and controls society. Censorship occurs and it is not unusual for dissenters to be arrested. Xi Jinping, who has been president since 2013, has in recent years greatly strengthened his grip on power. He is considered the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, who proclaimed the People’s Republic in 1949.
In recent years, China has regained its position as a major power. In parallel, the military has been strengthened.
Source: Landguiden/UI
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