On Wednesday, China issued a warning regarding US military support for Taiwan, stating that it increases the risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. This came after the US Congress approved an eight billion dollar military aid package for the island. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin emphasized that stronger military ties between the US and Taiwan would not bring security to the island, but instead would escalate tensions and the potential for conflict.
China does not rule out using force to reclaim Taiwan, and Wang stressed that arming Taiwan would not lead to its independence but rather would disrupt peace and stability in the region. Blinken’s visit to China is aimed at addressing these concerns and promoting dialogue to ease tensions between the two countries. He will also hold talks with Chinese leaders about trade practices that Washington sees as anti-competitive.
During his visit, Blinken is expected to engage with students and business leaders in Shanghai, highlighting the friendly relations between Americans and Chinese. This visit marks a shift in Sino-American relations compared to the previous year, demonstrating a more pragmatic approach to managing competition while safeguarding national interests.
