China: Mr. Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, will visit the US later this week to attempt to repair the strained relationship between the two countries.
The Minister is scheduled to be in Washington from October 26–28, 2023, where he will hold meetings with US Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken and President Mr. Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Mr. Jake Sullivan. This visit follows Mr. Blinken and other senior officials’ trip to Beijing in June 2023.
The US is keen to prevent disagreements between Washington and Beijing from escalating into conflict and aims to collaborate on mutual concerns. Additionally, several other US politicians have visited China after Blinken’s trip, with California Governor Mr. Gavin Newsom currently there to address climate change issues.
During the meetings, senior administration officials will likely discuss various issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Ukraine war, and the escalating tension in the South China Sea.
Washington is providing military assistance to Israel and Ukraine, while Beijing has strengthened its ties with Russia since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. Additionally, China has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Another official mentioned that the US plans to encourage China to adopt a more constructive view. Mr. Wang had phone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. During these calls, he expressed concern for the civilian suffering caused by the conflict and restated China’s support for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.
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