Chinese Official Asserts Stability In China-US Relations Amid Alleged US 'Interference'

According to a Reuters report citing the state news agency Xinhua, the official, described as director-general of the foreign ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, highlighted the need for relations to advance on a sustainable path while emphasizing the safeguarding of Chinese interests and its "bottom line."

Ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China, statements were made by a Chinese foreign ministry official on Tuesday indicating signs of stabilization in Beijing-Washington relations, despite activities by the US perceived as detrimental to Chinese interests.

According to a Reuters report citing the state news agency Xinhua, the official, described as director-general of the foreign ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, highlighted the need for relations to advance on a sustainable path while emphasizing the safeguarding of Chinese interests and its "bottom line."

China-US Relations Stable: Chinese official

The report quoted the official as saying, "The strategy of containing China is stubbornly promoted by the United States, with continuous adoption of erroneous words and actions that interfere in China's internal affairs, smear China's image, and harm China's interests."

Regarding Blinken's upcoming visit, it was noted that China will focus on strengthening understanding and dialogue, managing differences, and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and shared responsibilities.

Blinken's trip to China, the first since June, when efforts were being made by the United States to restore high-level engagements following "spy balloon" incidents and increased tensions around Taiwan souring relations, is expected to address concerns related to the South China Sea, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the crisis in the Middle East, among others.

Recently, talks were held between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden covering contentious issues, notably ongoing confrontations in the South China Sea and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Xi was quoted by Xinhua as stating that ties between China and the US were beginning to stabilize, but cautioning that they could "slide into conflict or confrontation."

US Secretary Blinken To Visit China: Here's what's on agenda?

• Three days of talks are being commenced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing this week.
• The US-China ties are perceived to be at a critical point due to numerous global disputes.
• The timing of Blinken's trip, closely following discussions between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a recent visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and a call between US and Chinese defence chiefs, may be viewed as encouraging by some observers.
• However, relations between Washington and Beijing are tense, and the existing rifts are expanding.

Growing Tensions and Disputes

• From conflicts in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and the broader Middle East to Indo-Pacific and trade issues, the US and China find themselves on multiple collision courses.
• These disputes have raised concerns about military, strategic security, and international economic stability.

Issues to Be Addressed by Secretary Blinken

• A senior State Department official stated that Blinken will clearly and candidly raise concerns during the talks commencing Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine War

• The Biden administration has become increasingly concerned about Chinese support for Russia's defense industrial base.
• US officials claim that this support enables Moscow to overcome Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine and to resupply its military.
• The issue of Chinese support for Russia's defense industry is expected to be a primary topic of conversation during Blinken's visit.
• US officials emphasize that while there is no evidence that China is directly arming Russia, other activities are deemed equally problematic.
• Blinken highlighted last week that if China seeks good relations with Europe and other nations, it cannot simultaneously support what is perceived as the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.
• According to a senior State Department official, Russian defense capabilities have largely been restored through Chinese support, posing not only a threat on the battlefield in Ukraine but also to broader European security.