Beijing, 18 June 2023 (TDI): State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang engaged in fruitful discussions with US Secretary of State Blinken in Beijing, aiming to address the current challenges faced by Sino-US relations.
Recognizing the current strain in bilateral ties, both sides emphasized the importance of restoring stability, predictability, and constructive cooperation.
State Councilor Qin Gang highlighted that the current state of Sino-US relations is at its lowest point since their establishment, underscoring the divergence from the fundamental interests of both nations and the international community’s expectations.
China’s policy towards the United States has consistently upheld the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, as advocated by President Xi Jinping.
China remains dedicated to fostering a stable and constructive relationship and expects the US to adopt an objective and rational understanding of China, meet halfway, and uphold the political foundation of bilateral ties.
During the talks, State Councilor Qin Gang reaffirmed China’s solemn position on core interests, particularly the Taiwan issue, emphasizing its significance within Sino-US relations. Constructive and comprehensive discussions were conducted on the overall relationship between the two countries and other important matters.
Bali Meeting
Both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Biden at the Bali meeting. This includes effectively managing and controlling differences, and promoting dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation.
To enhance understanding and cooperation, it was agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, with Secretary of State Blinken inviting State Councilor Qin Gang to visit the United States. Additionally, discussions will continue on the guiding principles of China-US relations through consultations, and the Joint Working Group will address specific issues to foster progress.
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Recognizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the two sides emphasized the need to expand cultural and educational interactions. Furthermore, efforts will be made to encourage increased passenger flights, facilitating visits between the two nations for students, scholars, and businesspeople.
Lastly, both sides exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern, reinforcing their commitment to multilateralism and global stability.
By prioritizing mutual understanding, dialogue, and cooperation, China and the United States aim to pave the way for a more constructive and stable bilateral relationship, benefiting both nations and the international community.
This visit is one of the most anticipated visits of 2023 so far, among many speculations. Last week Bill Gates visited China and met President Xi Jinping which was the first meeting of President Xi with any US representative in 2023.
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Secretary Antony Blinken is expected to meet President Xi too. He expressed his hope that both sides can manage their relationship with responsibility and the channel of communication should remain open too after meeting with Qin Gang.
China-US relations are being called off at their lowest point pertaining to Taiwan-related tension; South China Sea conflicts, Uighur Muslims issues and many other political and mutual trade issues.
Secretary Blinken will head towards London-UK after China to attend Ukraine Recovery Conference. He also spoke with Japan’s FM Park Jin before coming to China to discuss regional and global issues before heading towards China.
