BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said on Sunday during a meeting in Beijing with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that relations between the two powers “are at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations.” “.
Qin pointed out that the state of bilateral ties “does not respond to the fundamental interests of the two peoples or to the common expectations of the international community,” the state CCTV channel reported.
The Chinese foreign minister made “clear demands on China’s essential interests and major concerns, including the Taiwan issue” to Blinken, who began a two-day visit to China on Thursday.
Likewise, Qin declared that “China’s policy towards the United States has always maintained continuity and stability, and is fundamentally guided by the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation” and that the Asian country is committed to building a relationship ” stable, predictable and constructive”.
The foreign minister expressed his hope that Washington “maintains an objective and rational view of China, moves in the same direction, and handles unexpected eventualities calmly, professionally, and rationally.”
“Both sides held a long, frank, in-depth and constructive dialogue on the general relationship between China and the US and other important related issues,” CCTV reported in a statement posted on its social networks.
The two delegations agreed to “encourage the expansion of educational exchanges,” “actively explore the possibility of increasing passenger flights between China and the US,” and “welcome more students, scholars, and businessmen to visit the other side.” .
For his part, Blinken invited his counterpart to visit the US, the country where Qin was ambassador before being promoted to chancellor at the end of 2022, and emphasized “the importance of diplomacy and keeping communication channels open in all areas.” to reduce the risk of miscalculation,” said US diplomacy spokesman Matthew Miller.
The US foreign minister also raised “a number of issues of concern” with his Chinese counterpart, as well as “opportunities” on which Washington and Beijing can cooperate.
“The secretary made it clear that the United States will always defend the interests and values of the American people and will work with its partners and allies to advance a vision of a free world that upholds a rules-based international order,” Miller explained.
Alejandro Mendoza with the details.
The meeting ended today after 8:00 pm local time after lasting five and a half hours, after which both officials dined together.
On Monday, the US official could meet with the director of the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign affairs commission, Wang Yi, or even with the president, Xi Jinping.
Blinken arrived in Beijing this Sunday morning, becoming the highest-ranking US official to visit China since the president of the North American country, Joe Biden, began his term in 2021, a period in which bilateral relations have deepened. continued to deteriorate due to trade, geopolitical and economic tensions.
In fact, Qin and Blinken exchanged reproaches this Wednesday during a telephone conversation that marked the first high-level bilateral contact in months and in which Qin asked the US to cease its efforts to harm sovereign interests in security matters and Blinken urged Qin “keep the lines of communication open” to avoid a conflict.
Blinken arrived in Beijing four months behind schedule. The downing of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over US territory last February caused the visit that had been confirmed that same month to be canceled at the last minute.
