US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in China for a three-day trip, following the Senate’s approval of a large foreign aid package that will provide billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The trip comes just hours after the US Senate voted for the package and shortly before President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law.
Blinken, who landed in Shanghai on Wednesday, is expected to meet with business leaders in the city before heading to Beijing for talks on Friday with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and a likely meeting with President Xi Jinping. Beijing and Washington have said the trip is about strengthening dialogue and stabilizing their rocky bilateral relationship.
The visit also comes amid concerns over China’s ties to Russia and its alleged support for Russian arms buildup. Blinken has stated that China cannot claim to seek good relations with Europe while simultaneously aiding Russia, which poses a significant threat to European security. China has defended its right to trade with Russia and accused the US of escalating the war in Ukraine.
In the Middle East, Blinken is expected to encourage China to pressure Iran against escalating tensions. He has previously urged China to restrain its support for proxy groups in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian-backed militias.
The trip takes place amidst various unresolved issues between China and the US, including Beijing’s alleged role in the fentanyl crisis in the United States. Both sides have indicated a willingness to address these issues and establish a more stable relationship.
