U.S. Secretary of State Blinken holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing
United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in discussions with PRC Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The meeting involved comprehensive and constructive deliberations on both areas of divergence and potential cooperation between the United States and China, aiming at the responsible management of competition, as highlighted in a statement by the Department of State.
Blinken raised concerns regarding PRC's support for the Russian defense industry, emphasized the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, addressed PRC activities in the South China Sea, and underscored the importance of preventing further escalation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula.
Building upon commitments made during the Woodside Summit between Presidents Biden and Xi last November, the Secretary and Director Wang deliberated on future steps regarding various pledges made by the two leaders. These commitments include advancing cooperation on counternarcotics efforts, enhancing military-to-military communication, initiating discussions on artificial intelligence risks and safety, and facilitating people-to-people exchanges.
Blinken reiterated the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to defending its interests, values, and those of its allies and partners, with a particular emphasis on human rights and economic matters. (ILKHA)