US-China talks: Tensions escalate amid warnings

Tensions between the United States and China escalated as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a high-stakes meeting on Friday. Both officials warned against misunderstandings and miscalculations amid escalating bilateral, regional and global disputes.

Growing concerns

The meeting, Blinken's second visit to China in the past year, took place against a backdrop of expanding talks between the two countries, even as differences deepen. There is growing concern about the potential for conflict between the world's two largest economies.

As Blinken and Wang emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, they also lamented the growing divisions that threaten global security. Earlier this week, President Joe Biden signed a major foreign aid bill that includes provisions seen as controversial by China.

Wang noted that although China-U.S. relations have shown signs of stabilization, negative factors are mounting and have led to various setbacks. He posed a critical question about the future direction of the relationship, its sincerity, and its ability to overcome difficulties.

China urges non-intervention

Wang also emphasized China's discomfort with U.S. policies and called for non-interference in China's internal affairs and respect for its development rights and core interests.

In return, Blinken reiterated the Biden administration's commitment to dialogue, even on contentious issues. Acknowledging some progress made in the past year, he stressed the challenges ahead and emphasized the importance of open and direct talks to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.

Blinken's visit to China coincides with Biden signing a $95 billion foreign aid package that has drawn Beijing's ire over provisions targeting China's assertiveness toward Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as directives to TikTok's Chinese parent company.

Washington's growing concern over Beijing's assertiveness toward Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries remains a focal point in the Indo-Pacific region. China has condemned U.S. aid to Taiwan and opposed efforts to force the sale of TikTok.

Moreover, the aforementioned aid package includes significant funding for Ukraine, prompting criticism from China for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial sector. China's relations with Russia were also expected to come up during Blinken's visit, as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to visit China in May, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics.

Source: AP