US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently expressed concerns over Beijing’s "destabilising actions" in the South China Sea during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' gathering in Laos. Despite ongoing tensions, both leaders aimed to keep communication channels open.
Blinken's visit to Laos was part of a broader trip to Asia, occurring amidst a heated US presidential election campaign. This timing has heightened regional scrutiny over potential changes in US foreign policy with a new administration possibly taking office.
During the meeting, Blinken and Wang discussed various bilateral, regional, and global issues. According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken emphasised that the United States, along with its allies and partners, would continue to promote a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Another critical point of discussion was China's support for Russia’s defence industrial base, with Blinken warning that the US would take "appropriate measures" if China did not cease this support.
The Chinese foreign ministry's statement highlighted that Wang urged the US to adopt a more "rational and pragmatic China policy," arguing that the US holds a "wrong perception of China." Despite these differences, both parties agreed to maintain communication.
Blinken’s trip included stops in Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia. This tour came at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China, despite efforts by President Biden's administration to stabilise the rocky relationship. Key issues straining this relationship include Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, and threats towards Taiwan.
A recent incident further complicated matters when the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers near Alaska. This marked the first time aircraft from these two countries were intercepted while operating together.
China's continued support for Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine remains a significant point of contention for the US and its allies. NATO leaders recently labelled Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine, citing China’s extensive support for Russia's defence industrial base.
Both the US and the European Union have accused China of bolstering Russia’s defence sector by exporting dual-use goods. Consequently, several companies in Hong Kong and mainland China have faced sanctions for evading measures imposed on Russia.
Beijing, however, denies supplying weapons to Russia and insists on maintaining strict controls over such goods. China has attempted to position itself as a neutral peace broker in the Ukraine conflict, despite deepening ties with Moscow. Chinese leader Xi Jinping's close friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has only reinforced these suspicions.
Recently, Wang Yi met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, expressing Beijing’s support for all efforts contributing to peace. This meeting marked the first time China hosted a top Ukrainian official since the beginning of the Russian invasion. In contrast, both Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have been welcomed in Beijing multiple times since the conflict began.
The ongoing discussions and diplomatic engagements indicate a complex and multifaceted relationship between the US, China, and other global players, influenced by regional security concerns and broader geopolitical dynamics.
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