Blinken set to confront Chinese leaders over support for Russia amid key meetings

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in China, where he plans to deliver a stern message to Chinese leaders regarding their support for Russia's increased weapons production during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Upon landing in Shanghai, Blinken will first engage with local officials and business leaders before heading to Beijing for meetings with senior Chinese officials. This visit marks his second trip to China in less than a year, following a series of high-level discussions that led to a summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in California last November, aimed at easing tensions between the two nations.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently visited the country, and earlier this month, Biden and Xi had a phone conversation.

According to a senior State Department official, the bilateral relationship has improved significantly compared to a year ago when it was at an all-time low.

Officials from both nations have indicated that Blinken's upcoming agenda will mainly involve managing the relationship and addressing concerns. However, there are significant disagreements, and the discussions are anticipated to be challenging, particularly regarding China's backing of Russia's industrial capabilities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Biden administration has been raising concerns about China's support as Russia ramps up its weapon production activities. This support, according to the US, has enabled Moscow to sustain its military campaign against Ukraine.

During a press conference in Italy last week, Blinken mentioned how China has been sharing machine tools, semiconductors, and other dual-use items with Russia. This support has been crucial in helping Russia rebuild its defense industrial base, which had been significantly degraded by sanctions and export controls.

While China has not directly provided military assistance to Russia, the industrial and logistical aid it is offering is making a big difference. This support comes at a time when Ukraine's military is facing challenges due to shortages of equipment and weapons.

A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system drives during a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 78th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia May 9, 2023.

A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system is seen driving in a military parade on Victory Day in Red Square, Moscow. The event celebrates the 78th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Alexander Avilov/Moscow News Agency/Reuters

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US officials say that China is providing significant support to Russia to expand its weapons manufacturing capabilities as the conflict in Ukraine continues. In response, the US is working to rally allies to pressure Beijing through diplomatic channels or, if necessary, punitive actions to cease this support. Secretary of State Blinken is anticipated to address this issue firmly during his upcoming visit.

"According to a second senior State Department official, Russia is no longer in a defensive position. They have regained strength and pose a significant threat to not only Ukraine but the entire region."

Blinken will emphasize that supporting Russia is not only harmful to Ukraine, but also undermines the security of all of Europe.

Blinken emphasized that China cannot have both positive relations with Europe while also contributing to the biggest threat to Europe since the end of the Cold War.

State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, mentioned on Monday that there is more that China can do. He also stated that the United States is prepared to take necessary actions if needed.

On Tuesday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official indicated that despite US threats, Beijing is unlikely to withdraw its support for Moscow. The official warned the US against damaging normal state-to-state relations and urged them to remove sanctions on Chinese entities during a state media briefing.

The official emphasized that the situation in Ukraine is not a matter between China and the United States. They stated that the US should not try to turn it into a problem between the two countries.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on June 19, 2023.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on June 19, 2023.

Leah Millis/AP

China’s grievances

Chinese officials are also anticipated to discuss their concerns with Blinken. Grievances in Beijing are growing due to what it perceives as increased US attempts to limit and control China, despite improved communications since the Biden-Xi summit in November.

US-China relations have improved since the summit, but there are still significant challenges, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry official briefing on Tuesday.

The official expressed concern that the United States is persisting in its efforts to contain China, using actions and language that interfere in China's internal affairs, damage its reputation, and undermine its interests. China firmly opposes and responds to these actions.

The Biden administration is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with China. They believe that China has recognized the failure of their aggressive diplomacy, which ended up alienating more than attracting others. According to a senior State Department official, China is now more open to engagement because they want a stable global environment and increased investment opportunities.

The official also mentioned that China is specifically seeking engagement from US businesses. This is because China's economy has slowed down significantly, and they are looking for ways to stimulate growth and stability.

Other issues in the Indo-Pacific region are also expected to be a focus of Blinken's meetings. The Biden administration has been working to strengthen its alliances in the region, especially in response to actions by Beijing in the South China Sea. Recently, Biden held summits with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan in Washington, where he reassured the Philippines of US support in defense matters. As part of this commitment, the US has sent a potent land-attack missile system to the Philippines and engaged in joint exercises with the country as a treaty ally.

During Tuesday's briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official claimed that the US is too focused on pressuring its allies to unite against China. The official also accused the US of meddling in the South China Sea and creating tensions between China and ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

This comes at a delicate time.

Blinken's visit to Taiwan is happening at a delicate moment, with the inauguration of a new president in Taiwan just around the corner. Beijing is not happy about this.

A senior State Department official mentioned that Secretary Blinken will emphasize America's ongoing commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, both in private conversations and public statements.

It is crucial for the region and the world that all countries contribute to peace and stability, especially leading up to the May 20 inauguration. Our expectation is for countries to avoid provocative actions, show restraint, and help reduce tensions during this sensitive time," the official emphasized.

China's ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan as part of its territory, despite never having governed it. While previous Chinese leaders aimed for "reunification," Xi Jinping has stressed the need to resolve the Taiwan issue without passing it on to future generations. In recent years, China has increased economic, military, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan.

The Taiwan Relations Act requires the US to supply weapons for Taiwan's defense. Biden has indicated that he is willing to use American military personnel to protect the island if China were to invade. However, White House officials have stated that the US policy of keeping this issue ambiguous remains unchanged.

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

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Can China play a role in avoiding an all-out war in the Middle East?

US officials expect China to discuss the situation in the Middle East during the meeting. They believe that China has influence, especially because of the amount of oil it imports from Iran. Blinken will urge China to intervene more directly with Iran to reduce tensions in the region.

During a statement on Monday, Miller emphasized the importance of China's involvement in the Middle East. He stated that it is not only beneficial for the region, the United States, and the countries involved, but also for China and the rest of the world to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Blinken is set to talk about two important topics during his meeting: the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US and military-to-military dialogue. These are areas where Xi promised to take action when he met with Biden.

A second senior State Department official mentioned that the Chinese have started to make some progress in both of these areas. However, there is still a lot more work that needs to be done to fully address these issues.

Blinken will also discuss China's efforts to enhance its nuclear weapons stockpile, along with the situations of Americans facing exit bans or wrongful detention in China. This includes individuals like Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and David Lin.

Editor's P/S:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming visit to China carries immense significance as he prepares to convey a strong message regarding China's support for Russia's military expansion. The Biden administration's concern over China's industrial and logistical aid to Moscow, enabling Russia to sustain its aggression in Ukraine, is a major point of contention. Blinken will emphasize the detrimental impact of China's support on Ukraine's security and Europe's stability, urging Beijing to reconsider its actions.

Moreover, Blinken's agenda includes addressing other critical issues, such as China's grievances over perceived US containment efforts, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, and China's role in mitigating tensions in the Middle East. The visit presents an opportunity for open dialogue, but also highlights the complex and challenging nature of US-China relations, with significant disagreements and areas where further cooperation is sought.