Biden Optimistic About Progress with China as Blinken Meets President Xi

President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the restoration of US-China relations after Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded two days of meetings in Beijing, including discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a visit to California, Biden commended Blinken’s efforts, stating, “He did a hell of a job. We’re on the right trail here.” When asked about progress, Biden confidently responded, “I don’t feel [progress]; you know it’s been made. You don’t have to ask that. You can ask how much progress was made.”

In response to inquiries about his communication with Blinken, who is en route to London for a Ukraine recovery conference later in the week, Biden informed reporters that he was in contact with Blinken through National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Blinken’s visit to Beijing marks the highest-ranking US official’s trip to China in five years, as tensions have escalated between the two largest economies in recent months. The talks present an opportunity for the two sides to improve their relationship and potentially pave the way for a conversation between Xi and Biden. The leaders have not spoken since their meeting in Bali, Indonesia, last year.

During the discussions, Blinken addressed topics including Russia’s war in Ukraine, North Korea, and Taiwan, according to a US official. While the two countries still have differences on various issues, there was consensus on the need to “stabilize” relations.

According to Chinese State television, China urged the United States to refrain from labeling China as a threat, cease illegal sanctions, halt efforts to impede China’s technological development, and stop interfering in its internal affairs. These points were conveyed by Yang Tao, an official at the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Despite progress, certain challenges persist between the US and China, such as trade disputes, intellectual property concerns, human rights issues, and US restrictions on advanced technology. While direct military contacts were not restored during the discussions, the talks offered a platform for dialogue and the potential for further normalization of relations between the nations.

Read the original article on Financial Reports