China’s vice foreign minister discussed how to “properly” handle differences over Taiwan with US officials who visited China for talks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
A senior US delegation that traveled to China for two days was led by Daniel Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, and Laura Rosenberger, the senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council.
Kritenbrink and Rosenberger met with Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng in the Chinese city of Langfang. The talks followed a recent meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali, Indonesia.
“The two sides had in-depth communication on following through on the common understandings between the two heads of state in Bali, advancing consultations on the principles guiding China-US relations, properly handling important and sensitive issues in bilateral relations including the Taiwan question,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said of the US visit.
According to The South China Morning Post, the US delegation was part of the preparation for Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s planned visit to China, which is expected to happen in early 2023.
While the US and China have increased communication, a thaw in relations isn’t expected. The US has framed its engagement with China as a “managing of competition” rather than attempts to resolve issues, and tensions are rising over Taiwan as Congress is advancing a plan to give the island unprecedented military aid.
The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that has been passed by the House would give Taiwan $3 billion in annual military aid. When asked about the plan, China’s Foreign Ministry said the US should stop “using Taiwan to contain China, stop military contact with Taiwan, and refrain from further undermining China-US relations.”
“The US has framed its engagement with China as a “managing of competition” rather than attempts to resolve issues, and tensions” — isn’t this actually an adult relationship? Even in families there are endless disagreements, disputes. Is it necessary for all nations to be part of the famous Disney “Small World” wide with its saccharine songs and dolls in assorted native dress? Doesnt’ “managing” sound less patronizing? less blindly naive?
China & US Discussed How to ‘Properly’ Handle Taiwan Differences
China = “yankee go home!”
Uncle Sam = “or we could just throw more money at it!”