US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concerns over Chinese attempts to influence and interfere with the upcoming US elections. Despite an earlier commitment from Chinese leader Xi Jinping not to interfere, Blinken stated that evidence of such attempts has been observed.
During a recent trip to China, Blinken met with top Chinese officials, including Xi Jinping, to discuss various contentious issues between the two countries. He reiterated a message from President Joe Biden to Xi, emphasizing the importance of non-interference in the 2024 US presidential elections.
Blinken emphasized that any interference by China in the US election process is unacceptable and that measures should be taken to prevent such actions. He also expressed concerns about China and other countries exploiting existing social divisions in the US for influence campaigns.
While Beijing has consistently denied interfering in US elections based on its principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, accusations of political interference have been made against China in other nations.
Addressing recent pro-Palestinian protests on US college campuses, Blinken defended the American right to protest. He acknowledged instances of antisemitic rhetoric at some gatherings but clarified that protests themselves are not inherently antisemitic.
Blinken highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in democracies, contrasting it with the limitations on such freedoms in China. He emphasized that allowing diverse opinions and passionate expressions is a fundamental aspect of American society and democracy.
