Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to China this week with a stern warning regarding Beijing’s support for Russia, as the House approved a new $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. A senior State Department official outlined Blinken’s upcoming trip, which will include meetings with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing. The official emphasized the US government’s commitment to defending national interests and taking action against firms that undermine security in Ukraine and Europe, with a particular focus on Chinese support for Russia’s defense industrial base.
During a recent meeting with G7 foreign ministerial counterparts, Blinken raised concerns about China’s transfer of dual-use materials and weapons components to Russia, which have helped the country strengthen its military production capabilities. The US plans to express these concerns to China and urge them to curtail their support, as it poses a threat to European security. While it is unclear if Blinken will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit, he is expected to hold discussions with Director and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to address these issues and advance cooperation on counternarcotics, mil-mil communication, and AI risks and safety.
The State Department outlined three main goals for Blinken’s trip, including making progress on key issues, communicating concerns on various bilateral, regional, and global matters, and responsibly managing competition to prevent miscalculation or conflict. The secretary is expected to address a range of issues during his visit, from human rights and unfair economic practices to regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s provocations in the South China Sea and North Korea’s threatening actions. Blinken will also discuss the crisis in Burma and reaffirm the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
At the recent G7 summit, Blinken highlighted the aid China is providing to Russia, particularly in rebuilding its defense industrial base with machine tools, semiconductors, and other dual-use items. He emphasized that while China claims to want good relations with Europe and other countries, its support for Russia poses a significant threat to European security. This issue is expected to be a key topic of discussion during Blinken’s meetings in China, as the US government seeks to push Beijing to cease its support for Russia’s military capabilities.
Overall, Blinken’s trip to China will focus on addressing the US government’s concerns about Chinese support for Russia, as well as other regional and global issues. The discussions will cover a wide range of topics, from economic and trade practices to regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The US government aims to engage China in constructive dialogue while also making it clear that actions undermining security in Europe and elsewhere will not be tolerated. Blinken’s visit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of US-China relations and addressing key areas of contention between the two countries.
