Blinken begins key China visit as tensions rise over new US foreign aid bill
SHANGHAI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a critical trip to China armed with a strengthened diplomatic hand following Senate approval of a foreign aid package that will provide billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform -– all areas of contention between Washington and Beijing.
Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday just hours after the Senate vote on the long-stalled legislation and shortly before President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law to demonstrate U.S. resolve in defending its allies and partners. Passage of the bill will add further complications to an already complex relationship that has been strained by disagreements over numerous global and regional disputes.
Still, the fact that Blinken is making the trip — shortly after a conversation between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a similar visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and a call between the U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs — is a sign the two sides are at least willing to discuss their differences.
Related articles
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines blamed Chinese fishermen on Monday for a massive loss of2024-05-21Group condemns 'humiliating searches' by security at Barcelona stadium
PARIS (AP) — The director of a group that advocates for female sports fans says she and other Paris2024-05-21Google fires 28 employees after protest against cloud contract with Israel
Google has fired 28 employees in the aftermath of protests over technology that the internet company2024-05-21Punjab Kings run out of steam as Mumbai Indians win by 9 runs
CHANDIGARH, India (AP) — Batter Ashutosh Sharma produced a brilliant rearguard knock but Punjab King2024-05-21Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
She is one of America's most recognisable fashion models.And Bella Hadid continued to show why she i2024-05-21- BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China'2024-05-21
atest comment