- China’s top diplomat could help stabilize U.S.-China relations by arranging a meeting between Xi Jinping and U.S. officials.
- After a three-day visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was met by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
- Biden has not yet welcomed Xi to the United States since taking office in 2021.
A closely watched visit to Washington by China’s top diplomat could help stabilize U.S.-China relations by arranging a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and high-ranking U.S. officials, possibly including President Joe Biden.
Shortly after arriving for the three-day visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was met by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who expressed optimism that the relationship could be stabilized.
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping
China needs to become a more significant player in the world arena and be seen as a responsible one, according to US officials with whom Chinese President Xi Jinping met.
China’s backing of Russia in the war in Ukraine and its lack of comment on the conflict between Israel and Hamas have disappointed the United States. China should use its influence to promote calm in the Middle East, the State Department stressed, adding that the US believes China has significant clout with Iran, a key supporter of Hamas.
Wang is set to reconvene with Blinken and national security advisor Jake Sullivan to propose that China be involved constructively in the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.
Although it is not yet known, it seems likely that Wang and Biden will meet due to the diplomatic practice of reciprocity. Wang’s visit suggests a very high probability because it is probably related to finalizing the agenda and settling on possible deliverables.
Biden has not yet welcomed Xi to the United States since taking office in 2021. The last time the two men met was during the Group of 20 summit of major wealthy and developing countries in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.
The Trump administration’s tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2018 marked the beginning of the end for the U.S.-China relationship. The relationship has gotten worse as a result of problems like COVID-19, Taiwan, the South China Sea, technology, and violations of human rights.
