On 28 September 2023, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with United States (US) Under Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Washington. The diplomats held “in-depth” discussions on regional issues, demonstrating that both sides maintain open dialogue [1]
The diplomats in charge of Asian affairs of both countries held a frank, in-depth and constructive consultation on regional issues as part of their efforts to keep the lines of communication open. They discussed regional issues such as Myanmar, North Korea and maritime issues, as well as Taiwan, one of the most contentious issues in bilateral relations. [2]
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that these talks were based on bilateral consensus and took place upon the invitation of the US side. In this context, the “one-China” principle was emphasised as the basis for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and China’s position on this issue was made clear. In addition, Sun, a senior Chinese diplomat, also expressed the US approach to issues such as the Asia-Pacific strategy and the South China Sea. [3]
In a statement issued after the talks, both sides pledged to continue dialogue on Asia-Pacific issues. This is the latest in a series of high-level meetings involving senior officials from both countries in recent months. Most recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in New York and they pledged to “keep the lines of communication open and continue high-level discussions” in the coming weeks. [4]
In addition, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held “frank, concrete and constructive” talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Malta, where they discussed Taiwan, the war in Ukraine and additional high-level talks. The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng was preparing for a visit to the US. The Journal also reported that Foreign Minister Wang Yi is planning a visit in October in preparation for the Shi-Biden talks. The meeting between Sun and Kritenbrink followed the second US-Pacific Islands Forum recently held at the White House. [5]
The bilateral talks emphasised “the importance of a free, open, connected and secure Indo-Pacific region”. Over the last year, the rivalry between Washington and Beijing has increasingly shifted to the Asia-Pacific.
These developments indicate that the channels of communication between the United States and China are becoming more open. This important meeting in Washington took place in the context of an in-depth dialogue on critical issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Taiwan issue, which was particularly emphasised in this context, is one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations. Critenbrink underlined the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue and the diplomatic relations between the parties. It was also stated that other regional issues such as Myanmar, North Korea and maritime issues were also discussed.
In conclusion, there are positive developments in the process of dialogue and cooperation between the US and China. This will reduce regional tensions and have a positive impact on stabilisation.
[1] “China-US Ties: Beijing and Washington Diplomats Overseeing Asian Affairs Meet in Sign of More Open Communication”, South China Morning Post, https://t.ly/0SLXQ, (Erişim Tarihi: 30.09.2023).
[2] “China-US Ties: Beijing and Washington Diplomats Overseeing Asian Affairs Meet in Sign of More Open Communication”, Yahoo Fiannce, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/china-us-ties-beijing-washington-093000757.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 30.09.2023).
[3] “China-US Ties: Beijing and Washington Diplomats Overseeing Asian Affairs Meet in Sign of More Open Communication”, South China Morning Post, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 30.09.2023).
[4] “China-US Ties: Beijing and Washington Diplomats Overseeing Asian Affairs Meet in Sign of More Open Communication”, Yahoo Fiannce, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 30.09.2023).
[5] “China-US Ties: Beijing and Washington Diplomats Overseeing Asian Affairs Meet in Sign of More Open Communication”, South China Morning Post, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 30.09.2023).
