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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China’s top official in Shanghai to address series of unresolved issues and further stabilize relations between both states on Thursday.
The meeting became imperative to improving ties between the two nations, Blinken said in a statement.
Speaking at the meeting with Chen Jining, the Chinese Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai, Blinken, underscored the importance of direct engagement and dialogue in addressing differences between the two nations.
Shortly after Blinken’s arrival in Shanghai, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill allocating $8 billion to counter China’s military capabilities, as well as significant defense aid for Taiwan and Ukraine.
At the meeting, Blinken is expected to address concerns over Chinese firms’ support for Russia’s defense industry in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. While China has refrained from directly supplying arms to Russia, there are concerns that Chinese companies are providing dual-use technology that aids Russia’s war effort.
As both sides navigate these complex issues, the meetings between Blinken and Chinese officials represent a crucial opportunity to address key concerns and pave the way for continued dialogue and cooperation between the United States and China.
