Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on a trip to China this week, armed with a fresh warning regarding Beijing's support for Russia amidst the House approving a new $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.
A senior State Department official briefed reporters on Blinken's upcoming April 24-26 visit to China, highlighting his planned meetings with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing.
The official emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to defending national interests and taking necessary steps against firms undermining security in Ukraine and Europe, including those from China.
Blinken and G7 foreign ministers expressed concerns about Chinese support enabling Russia to bolster its defense industrial base, posing a significant threat to European security.
The State Department aims to address these concerns with China during Blinken's visit, focusing on cooperation in areas such as counternarcotics, military communication, and artificial intelligence safety.
Key goals for Blinken's trip include making progress on critical issues, communicating concerns directly, and managing competition responsibly to avoid miscalculations or conflicts.
Blinken is expected to raise human rights issues, unfair trade practices, and the economic impact of China's industrial overcapacity. Additionally, discussions will cover crises in the Middle East, challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and reaffirming peace across the Taiwan Strait.
At the recent G7 summit, Blinken highlighted China's support for Russia's defense industry, warning that such actions undermine European security and strain China's relations with other countries.
