Chinese Premier Xi Jinping commenced his first visit to the United States in six years on Tuesday, coinciding with a pointed remark from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscoring the importance of freedoms and the rule of law. Xi is set to meet President Joe Biden in San Francisco and participate in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum.
The meeting between Xi and Biden is seen as an opportunity by US officials to ease tensions in what is often perceived as a contentious global rivalry. Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport, Xi was greeted by US officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.
In a thinly veiled reference to China, Blinken, addressing Apec ministers earlier, emphasized the US commitment to a region where economies have the autonomy to choose their paths, and the flow of goods, ideas, and people occurs lawfully and freely.
Biden expressed his intention to improve US-China relations and restore normal communications, including military-to-military contacts. Economic issues will dominate the discussions, with the Biden administration emphasizing the need to adjust the economic relationship positively.
As protests, both in support and opposition to Xi’s visit, are expected in San Francisco, the diplomatic discussions will also touch upon the Israel-Hamas conflict and US efforts to aid Ukraine against Russian invaders.
By Reuters
