On Saturday, the United States and China once again expressed their mutual grievances as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their sixth meeting since last year. The meeting, which lasted approximately an hour and twenty minutes, took place on the sidelines of an annual Southeast Asian regional security forum in Vientiane, Laos. This meeting comes amid an uncertain political situation in the U.S. and growing concerns about China’s increasing assertiveness in Asia and other regions.
The U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller described the discussion between Blinken and Wang as “open and productive,” though no significant agreements were reached on key issues dividing the two nations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Blinken emphasized the United States’ commitment to protecting its interests and values, as well as those of its allies and partners, including human rights. He made clear that the U.S., in cooperation with its allies and partners, will advance its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Blinken highlighted China’s aggressive actions towards Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of the mainland and has vowed to reunify by force if necessary. The U.S. diplomat also criticized China for its destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, reaffirming the United States’ support for freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
South China Sea Disputes
Tensions between China and the Philippines over disputes in the South China Sea were a major focus of the forum. However, Blinken praised China and the Philippines for concluding an agreement earlier in the week, allowing the Philippines to conduct a supply trip to the disputed area without confronting Beijing’s forces. This marked the first such trip since the agreement was made. Blinken commended the successful resupply at the Second Thomas Shoal, expressing hope that such cooperation would continue.
Prior to the agreement, tensions had escalated between the Philippines and China, with Chinese coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous maneuvers to prevent supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.
China’s Support for Russia
During the meeting, Blinken reiterated U.S. and European concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial sector, which is believed to be aiding Russia’s production of weapons for use in its war against Ukraine. Blinken warned that if China does not address this threat to European security, the U.S. would continue to take appropriate measures. Since issuing this warning over a year ago, the U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions on more than 300 Russian and Chinese firms involved in the trade.
A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that China’s response to these sanctions has not been sufficient to alleviate U.S. and European concerns. Blinken’s Asia trip was announced shortly after President Joe Biden said he would step down as a candidate in November’s election, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the official said this political shift did not come up during Saturday’s meetings, Blinken pointed out to Wang that Harris has experience with China, having met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bangkok in 2022. Blinken emphasized the Biden-Harris administration’s desire to maintain positive relations with China.
Blinken’s Travel Itinerary
Blinken’s trip to Asia includes stops in Hanoi, Vietnam, to offer condolences for the passing of Vietnam’s powerful Communist Party chief, and then onward to Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia. In Tokyo and Manila, Blinken will be joined by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet with their Japanese and Filipino counterparts to strengthen defense cooperation. Additionally, Blinken will meet with Indian and South Korean foreign ministers in Tokyo.
For the past six decades, the U.S. has maintained large troop deployments in Japan and South Korea, and a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines has been a cornerstone of American policy in Asia. However, former President Donald Trump, now the Republican candidate for president, had cast doubt on the usefulness of U.S. alliances during his first term in office, suggesting that the American military presence in Japan and South Korea could be reduced or eliminated.
The meeting between Blinken and Wang Yi underscored the persistent tensions and complex dynamics between the U.S. and China. While no major breakthroughs were achieved, the dialogue reflected the ongoing efforts of both nations to address their differences and navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape. As the U.S. and its allies continue to confront challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the outcomes of these high-level discussions will play a critical role in shaping future relations and regional stability. The renewed grievances between the U.S. and China highlight the intricate and multifaceted nature of their relationship, marked by competition, cooperation, and the pursuit of strategic interests in a rapidly changing world.
