US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to China amid serious concerns from the US regarding Beijing's support for Russia, according to CNN.
This will be Blinken's second trip to the country as a high-ranking American diplomat.
"We are in a different place than we were a year ago when the bilateral relationship was at a historic low point," Blinken said.
During his April 24-26 visit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to meet with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing.
Blinken has three main objectives during his trip to China:
- to make progress on key issues;
- to express concerns directly and clearly regarding bilateral regional and global challenges;
- to manage competition responsibly.
Blinken plans to reiterate the deep concerns of the US regarding China's support for the Russian defense-industrial base, as well as human rights abuses.
He also plans to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The US has repeatedly urged China publicly and privately to pressure Iran to show restraint.
"And of course, the secretary will discuss challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including PRC provocations in the South China Sea, threatening rhetoric, and reckless actions. He will also reaffirm the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," said an anonymous official.
Support of Russia by China
In October of last year, the Pentagon determined that China was providing Russia with drones and small arms on a large scale. Beijing has denied its influence.
In early April, the US stated that Russia had almost restored its armed forces thanks to China's support.
Earlier, we reported that the US would raise the issue of China's support for Russian aggression at the G7 summit.
