US-China Officials Meet to Manage Tensions

US-China Officials Meet to Manage Tensions/Reuters

Dil Bar Irshad | May 30, 2024 | 03:35 PM IST | China, United States of America, World | Follow on Google News

US-China Officials Meet to Manage Tensions

US-China Officials Meet to Manage Tensions

Key Highlights:

1. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell hosts China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Washington.
2. Talks aim to prevent miscalculations and unintended conflicts amidst ongoing tensions.
3. Discussions cover bilateral, regional, and global issues, focusing on managing competition responsibly.

US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, is set to host China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Washington today, as reported by Voice of America (VOA). The talks aim to maintain open communication channels to prevent miscalculations and unintended conflicts, particularly amidst current tensions.

The two officials are expected to engage in two hours of face-to-face discussions, followed by a working lunch at the State Department. Later in the afternoon, US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer will continue discussions with Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

Ma Zhaoxu’s visit follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Shanghai and Beijing in April, building on intensive diplomacy with China to manage competition in the relationship responsibly.

During Blinken’s visit to Beijing, he expressed “serious concern” regarding China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, warning of potential sanctions. China defended its approach to Russia, emphasizing normal economic exchanges with a major trading partner.

US warnings regarding Chinese support for Russia’s military capabilities were renewed by Deputy Secretary Campbell, emphasizing the need for collective concern from European and NATO countries about destabilizing actions in Europe.

The latest talks come after China conducted a large-scale military exercise involving aircraft and naval vessels around Taiwan. The US has urged Beijing to exercise restraint and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Additionally, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China and Taiwan, Mark Lambert, expressed concerns about People’s Liberation Army military drills in the Taiwan Strait during a virtual meeting with PRC officials.

(Inputs from Voice of America – VoA)

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.