US-China Hold First High-Level Talks in Alaska... Tensions Flare from the Start

"China Threatens World Order" VS "Do Not Interfere in Internal Affairs"

▲ Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The United States and China commenced a high-level diplomatic meeting on the 18th (local time) in Alaska, USA. This is the first high-level face-to-face meeting between the U.S. and China since President Joe Biden took office, and it is expected to serve as a barometer for U.S.-China relations over the next four years of the Biden administration.

According to major foreign media on the day, the U.S. side was represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, while the Chinese side included Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs, and Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China. The talks began in Anchorage, Alaska.

It is reported that the two sides will hold two sessions on the day and one session on the morning of the 19th.

This meeting was held amid a situation where relations between the two countries have sharply cooled since the previous Donald Trump administration, and the Biden administration has also expressed its intention to maintain a tough stance toward China.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Blinken said, "China's actions threaten the rules and order that maintain global stability," and added, "We will raise issues such as China's western Xinjiang region, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and cyberattacks."

National Security Advisor Sullivan stated, "We will speak frankly about America's concerns," and "The U.S. does not seek conflict but will defend its principles and allies."

In response, Political Bureau member Yang Jiechi countered, "The U.S. uses military power and financial superiority to pressure other countries," and "It is abusing the concept of national security to threaten the future of international trade."

He also pointed out, "Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are all inseparable parts of China's territory," and "China firmly opposes U.S. interference in its internal affairs."

He further criticized, "The U.S. human rights situation is at its lowest level."

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