US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited China to discuss concerns about the country’s support for Russia’s weapon production during the ongoing war in Ukraine. This trip marks his second visit to China in less than a year and follows high-level engagements, including a summit between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November. While the relationship between the two countries has improved, there are still sharp divides, particularly regarding China’s support for Russia’s industrial base in the conflict.
The US has been vocal about China’s assistance to Russia, enabling Moscow to continue its war against Ukraine through the sharing of machine tools and other dual-use items. As Russia rebuilds its defense capabilities, the threat extends beyond Ukraine to the wider European region. The Biden administration seeks to pressure Beijing to halt its support for Russia through diplomatic means or punitive measures, aiming to safeguard European security. Despite warnings and calls for action, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official indicated Beijing’s reluctance to backtrack on its support for Moscow, urging the US to avoid turning the Ukraine issue into a bilateral conflict.
Beyond discussing Russia’s defense support, Blinken’s visit also addresses growing concerns in Beijing about US containment efforts and interference in China’s internal affairs. Despite some stabilization in US-China relations following the Biden-Xi summit, Chinese officials remain wary of US strategies aimed at suppressing China. The Biden administration, however, emphasizes the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and believes that China seeks stability in the global environment and increased engagement with US businesses. Indo-Pacific issues, including China’s actions in the South China Sea, are expected to be key points of discussion during the visit.
At a sensitive time in the Taiwan Strait, Blinken is expected to underscore America’s commitment to peace and stability across the region. With China viewing Taiwan as part of its territory, tensions have escalated recently as Beijing increased pressure on the self-governing island. The US, bound by the Taiwan Relations Act, is obligated to provide defense assistance. Blinken’s visit will emphasize the importance of avoiding provocations and maintaining restraint during this critical period. Discussions may also touch on the situation in the Middle East, with calls for China to sway Iran to lessen regional tensions.
Other topics on the agenda for Blinken’s visit include the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US, military-to-military dialogue commitments made by Xi during the Biden-Xi summit, and concerns about China’s nuclear arsenal strengthening. The Secretary of State is also expected to address cases of Americans unfairly detained in China, highlighting critical human rights issues. As the US-China relationship navigates complex geopolitical challenges, Blinken’s visit serves as a platform to address a range of pressing issues and strive for mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
