China Expects Strengthened Cooperation with Blinken's Nomination as Secretary of State

Chinese Foreign Ministry: Sound and Stable Development Aligns with Both Countries' Interests
Emphasizes Likelihood of a Rational and Pragmatic Approach to China-US Relations

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Cho Young-shin] After US President-elect Joe Biden nominated former Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken as Secretary of State, the Chinese government expressed expectations for stability in US-China relations and indicated a willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 24th, spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated regarding Blinken's nomination as Secretary of State the previous day, "We will not comment on US domestic politics," but reaffirmed the Chinese government's position on China-US relations.

Spokesperson Zhao said, "Ensuring that China-US relations develop in a healthy and stable manner aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples," adding, "This is also the expectation of insightful figures in the US and the international community at large." He further stated, "China is willing to enhance communication with the US, expand cooperation, and manage differences to lead China-US relations in a healthy and stable direction."

The Chinese state-run Global Times forecasted that considering the past diplomatic experience of Blinken, nominated by Biden, and Jake Sullivan, the nominee for White House National Security Advisor, they are likely to approach China in a much more rational and pragmatic manner.

Chinese experts analyzed that veteran American diplomats like nominee Blinken will employ the traditional Democratic approach to diplomatic issues, which is much more predictable than during the Trump administration.

Professor Diao Daming of Renmin University said, "Judging from Blinken's past statements and career related to China, his attitude is softer than the current Trump administration, making it highly likely that a positive environment for future China-US relations will be created." He added, "Promoting communication through diplomatic channels can also help improve China-US relations in the future."

Meanwhile, some Chinese experts expressed concerns that China-US conflicts will not be easily resolved even in the Biden era. Professor Li Haidong of the China Foreign Affairs University’s Institute of International Relations pointed out, "Compared to President Trump's barbaric approach to China, President-elect Biden seems to adopt a much smarter approach," but he noted, "That does not mean it will change the long-standing competitive relationship between China and the US."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.