Tense relations between Washington and Beijing: US Secretary of State Blinken arrives in China for a visit

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (61) has arrived in China for his long-awaited visit. As reported by Chinese state television, Blinken landed in Beijing on Sunday. A series of meetings with senior Chinese government officials are planned in Beijing during the trip, which will last until Monday.

The “fierce competition” between China and the United States must not lead to “confrontation or conflict”, Blinken explained beforehand. The aim is open communication, so that both countries can shape their relations in a responsible manner.

Against the background of the strict Chinese corona measures, but also because of the very tense relations, there had not been a visit to Beijing by a US Secretary of State since 2018. It is Blinken’s first trip to China since he took office.

Visit too late

Relations between Beijing and Washington are strained over a list of controversial issues. Among other things, China’s support for the Russian war in Ukraine, Beijing’s threats to Taiwan and the ongoing trade conflict between the two countries are causing disagreement. The administration of President Joe Biden (80) sees China as the biggest geopolitical challenge and takes a tough stance on Beijing.

Blinken had actually wanted to travel to China in February. However, the visit was canceled at short notice in the dispute over the overflight of a suspected Chinese spy ball over the United States. (SDA/AFP/kes)

Source: Blick