Differences Sharpen, US-China Seek Common Ground

China hopes that the US can view the progress experienced by the country more positively. Both agreed to continue the dialogue.

AP PHOTO/POOL/MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) listens to Chinese President Xi Jinping speak during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Friday (26/4/2024).

BEIJING, FRIDAY — Relations between United States and China on various bilateral, regional and global issues still leave a long list to be bridged. Even though they are steadfast in their respective positions, the two countries are still trying to manage their differences so that they do not lead to open conflict.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting China to ensure that communication between the two countries remains open. During his visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed that the US and China should be partners, working together to solve various complex human issues. "Both countries must be partners, not competitors," said Xi, when receiving Blinken at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday (26/4/2024).

Quoting a report from China's news agency, Xinhua, Xi stated that both countries should collaborate to achieve success instead of hurting each other. Washington and Beijing should seek common ground by preserving their differences rather than emphasizing competition. According to Xi, planet Earth is large enough to accommodate the collaborative development proposed by China and the US, which will have a positive impact on everyone.

Also read: Blinken Emphasizes Commitment to Direct and Open Dialogue with China

AFP/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

The issue of air pollution is not new. The condition of communities threatened by air pollution has been happening for a long time. There is no shortage of research evidence indicating the threats of air pollution's impact. However, in reality, it has not been able to push for significant efforts in controlling air pollution. As a result, residents are increasingly suffering in the midst of air pollution. President of the United States, Joe Biden, and the President of China, Xi Jinping, walked together after their meeting in Woodside, California, USA, on Wednesday (15/11/2023).

"I propose the sense of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation as the three main principles. These are lessons from the past and guidelines for the future," said Xi.

He also asked that the US view China's progress from a positive perspective. Beijing is pleased to see the US as having high confidence, openness, prosperity, and continual growth.

The two countries continue to show different policy directions on various issues, from electric vehicles, semiconductors, social media, to geopolitical issues including the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Many countries have felt the tense situation resulting from policy differences, including a number of ASEAN member countries.

AP/US NAVY/MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JUSTIN STACK

The Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, USS John Finn (DDG 113) is sailing in the East China Sea, Sunday (21/1/2024).

Before meeting Xi, Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. In the meeting, Wang Yi complained about the US's perceived aggressive and pressuring stance on certain issues. Wang Yi highlighted issues concerning the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, human rights, and the right to establish relationships with countries that have aligned interests with China.

"The legitimate development rights of China have been unfairly suppressed. China's concerns have always been consistent. We always call for respect for each other's core interests and urge the US not to interfere in China's domestic affairs, not to obstruct China's development, and not to cross the red line on China's sovereignty and security," said Wang Yi.

Amid various pressures from the US on China, he questions whether such communication needs to be continued or not. "Should China and the US continue to move in the right direction, namely moving forward with stability, or return to a deteriorating condition?" he said.

Also read: Blinken Affirms US Readiness to Help the Philippines if Attacked in the South China Sea

AFP

Electric vehicles made by Chinese manufacturer, BYD, prepare to be loaded onto a ship at Taicang Port, Jiangsu Province, China, Monday (11/9/2023).

Previously, Wang Yi also warned that pressure from the United States could trigger a decline in China's economy and could spread throughout the world. Despite factors that complicate the relationship between the two countries, he views the China-US relationship as beginning to stabilize.

Blinken addressed China's concerns and hopes by stating that both countries are committed to maintaining and strengthening communication channels. This is necessary to avoid misunderstandings, misperceptions, and miscalculations. "I look forward to these discussions being very clear and direct about the areas where we have differences," said Blinken.

Also read: China Responds to US "Divide et Impera" Tactics

The Russian Problem

In the meeting, Blinken expressed the United States' disapproval of China's support for Russia's defense industry. The spokesperson for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, stated that Blinken reminded about China's assistance to Russia's arms and technology industries, which have allowed Russia's defense industry to survive and even help the military to reverse the situation in Ukraine.

Several US officials revealed that the supply of technology from several countries, including China, has enabled the Russian arms industry to survive. The supply of weapons to the Russian military is even more stable despite being besieged by various international sanctions. They stated that the import of machinery and equipment from China has helped Russia increase the production of its ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, Ukraine, which is supported by Western allies including the US and the European Union, is struggling to withstand the military onslaught of Russia. Approximately 30 percent of Ukrainian territory has even been completely taken over by the Russian military.

The Chinese government denies that state-owned industries supply equipment to the Russian defense industry. According to Beijing, they do not provide weapons to any party and they are not producers or parties involved in the Ukraine crisis.

However, Beijing emphasized that normal trade transactions between a number of Chinese and Russian business entities should not be disrupted or restricted.

(AP/AFP/Reuters)