Deep disagreements between U.S., China as Blinken visits
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Shanghai reflects the complicated and tense nature of U.S.-China relations. Despite a perceived steadying of ties, Blinken's arrival in China comes amidst Congressional approval of $8 billion in military aid to Taiwan, a move that has exacerbated tensions. The U.S. asserts its support for allies and warns adversaries against aggression, underscoring the resilience of its global alliances and its firm stance on sovereignty issues. China has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. actions, highlighting that the inclusion of Taiwan-related provisions in the U.S. congressional bill starkly contravenes the one-China principle and the foundational agreements between the two nations. This disagreement sets a challenging backdrop for discussions on other sensitive topics during Blinken's visit, including the situation in Ukraine and the implications of Beijing's relationship with Moscow. The U.S. cautions against any support for Russia's military activities, emphasizing the potential repercussions for entities aiding the conflict. Amidst increasing geopolitical tensions, the rhetoric against China has escalated in the U.S., with President Biden advocating for stringent measures against Chinese trade practices. This includes proposals to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium, reflecting concerns over unfair competition and its impact on the U.S. economy and its clean energy ambitions. This stance comes at a time when U.S. public opinion increasingly views China as a major competitor. Furthermore, cybersecurity and digital diplomacy issues loom large, highlighted by recent legislative moves in the U.S. against Chinese-owned apps and China's actions against U.S. tech companies. Blinken's itinerary in Shanghai involves meetings with students, business leaders, and his counterpart, Wang Yi, providing a platform for dialogue amidst these multifaceted challenges.