Xi Jinping urges collaboration, not confrontation, with US: Blinken

Washington: Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his desire for collaboration rather than rivalry with the United States during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing.

Amidst contentious issues ranging from national security to economic disputes, both sides expressed a commitment to stabilizing relations.

Xi emphasized the importance of partnership between the two nations, advocating for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. He underscored the significance of learning from the past and guiding future interactions based on these principles.

While acknowledging the potential for prosperous bilateral ties, both leaders acknowledged the existence of significant challenges that threaten to hinder progress. Blinken raised concerns regarding China's support to Russia's defense industry, as well as issues surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Despite reassurances from Beijing that it has not supplied arms to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine, the US remains wary of Chinese industrial exports contributing to Russia's military capabilities. Chinese officials defended these transactions as normal trade, pointing out Western involvement in prolonging the conflict.

In a separate meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken was cautioned about the possibility of the relationship deteriorating into confrontation. Wang outlined China's red lines and emphasized the need to respect its development rights and core interests.

Tensions between the two nations extend beyond military and geopolitical matters to include disagreements over artificial intelligence, legislative actions targeting Chinese companies, and China's supply of chemicals used in drug production.

The visit coincided with US President Joe Biden signing legislation aimed at countering China's military influence, providing aid to Ukraine, and bolstering support for Taiwan. This move underscores the ongoing turbulence in US-China relations, marked by trade disputes, diplomatic maneuvers, and military tensions.

Despite efforts to navigate these challenges, the complex dynamics between China and the US continue to shape the global geopolitical landscape, with both sides striving to strike a delicate balance between cooperation and competition.