© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping meet at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia on November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A high-ranking U.S. delegation will travel to China next Wednesday to follow up on President Joe Biden’s recent discussions with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. It will also prepare for Secretary Antony Blinken’s trip there in early next year.
A senior White House official stated that China wanted to stabilize relations with the United States as it faces economic challenges in its country and opposition in Asia to its assertive diplomatic policy.
The State Department announced that Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs and Pacific Affairs, and Laura Rosenberger, National Security Council Senior Director China and Taiwan, will be traveling to China, South Korea, and Japan between December 11-14.
On the sidelines, U.S. President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss Taiwan and North Korea. The meeting was held in Indonesia in mid November. It was a meeting that was meant to stop strained U.S./China ties from escalating into a Cold War.
In an era of simmering disagreements on issues such as human rights, Russia’s invasion Ukraine, and economic issues, the leaders promised to have more frequent communications.
The State Department stated that the delegation would follow up on the meeting to “continue responsibly managing the competition among our two countries” and to explore potential areas for cooperation. This will also help prepare for Blinken’s trip.
China’s COVID-19 protocol was a source of frustration that culminated in widespread protests last month. This is the largest demonstration of discontent since Xi took power in 2012. These rules contributed to a slower economy.
Kurt Campbell, White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, said that China, along with the perception that China has antagonized its neighbors, meant it was interested to have more predictable ties than Washington in “short-term.”
Campbell spoke to Aspen Security Forum, Washington, just two days after the United States announced plans that it would increase its rotational military presence within Australia’s key region ally. The announcement was made amid shared concerns about China.