Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is currently in China for meetings this week amid tensions over conflicts in wars, trade, technology, and security that are challenging efforts to stabilize the relationship between the two countries.
The United States is approaching an election year where President Biden will face pressure to address China’s authoritarian government and protect American businesses and workers from cheap Chinese imports.
China is seeking foreign investment to boost its economy while also strengthening national security and expanding its military presence around Taiwan and the South China Sea, causing concern among neighboring countries.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi have engaged in talks to prevent their disputes from escalating into conflict after relations deteriorated significantly last year. However, various challenges may hinder efforts to stabilize the relationship.
Showdowns Over China’s Territory Claims
The United States has been pushing back against China’s assertive claims in the South China Sea and Taiwan by forging security alliances in Asia, leading to concerns in Beijing about containment.
During recent meetings, Mr. Biden met with leaders from Japan and the Philippines to discuss territorial disputes in the South China Sea, including China’s interference with lawful Philippine operations.
Encounters between Chinese and American military vessels in the Taiwan Strait and South China and East China Seas continue, raising fears of potential confrontations. This is why close military communication is emphasized to prevent accidents. High-level military contacts were reinstated earlier this year after China suspended communication due to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022.
