[embedded content]
Politico: Blinken to test limits of China’s diplomatic engagement on Feb. 5-6 Beijing trip
The secretary of State’s agenda is likely to include the war in Ukraine, Beijing’s growing nuclear arsenal, stalled counternarcotics cooperation and U.S. citizens held in China.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet in Beijing with his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on Feb. 5-6, Washington-based diplomats familiar with Blinken’s travel plans told POLITICO.
Blinken’s much-anticipated China trip is a follow-up to President Joe Biden’s meeting with China’s paramount leader, Xi Jinping, in Indonesia in November at which Biden pledged to “maintain open lines of communication” with Beijing at a time of worsening bilateral tensions.
Read more ….
WNU Editor: I expect no breakthroughs.
Update: China is laying down some conditions …. China welcomes Blinken’s visit; ‘time for US to make changes (Global Times). More here …. China warns Blinken to mind his manners on next visit (Washington Examiner).
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken To Visit China February 5 – 6
Blinken to pay long-awaited China visit in early February — CNA/AFP
Blinken expected to visit China in early February — CNN
Chinese foreign ministry welcomes visit by U.S. Secretary Blinken — Reuters
China welcomes Blinken to visit China, in communication with US on the visit — CGTN