US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in extensive discussions with China's top diplomat Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing, addressing various contentious issues that threaten to strain relations between the two countries. Among these concerns, Blinken highlighted China's support for Russia's military activities, particularly its provision of dual-use goods that aid Moscow's defense industry and contribute to the conflict in Ukraine.
During the five-and-a-half-hour talks, Blinken expressed serious apprehension about China's role in supplying components essential for Russia's military operations. He underscored China's significance as a major supplier of crucial materials like machine tools and microelectronics, which are being utilized by Russia to bolster its defense capabilities.
Despite the ongoing tensions, both sides emphasized the importance of pragmatic cooperation on issues such as people-to-people exchanges. However, contentious matters like trade disputes, Taiwan, and the South China Sea remained unresolved.
While China has refrained from directly arming Russia in the conflict, Blinken emphasized the detrimental impact of China's provision of dual-use goods, which amplifies the threat posed by Russia to European countries. However, he did not comment on whether the US would impose sanctions on China for its support of Russia.
Amid efforts to stabilize bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated concerns about US actions impeding China's economic development. He emphasized the need to address these fundamental issues to ensure the stability and progress of the China-US relationship.
In response, Wang Yi criticized US measures that he perceived as attempts to suppress China's economic, trade, and technological advancements. He highlighted the challenges faced by China's legitimate development rights and core interests due to US policies.
The discussions, set following the November summit between Biden and Xi, covered a wide range of issues, including AI development and cooperation on anti-narcotics efforts, particularly concerning the supply of chemicals used in producing fentanyl. While acknowledging some progress on the fentanyl issue, Blinken emphasized the need for further action from China.
Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to hold talks on artificial intelligence and continue dialogue on pressing bilateral and global issues. Despite the complexities and tensions, both sides remain committed to engaging in constructive dialogue to address their differences and foster cooperation where possible.
