Chinese media downplays U.S. diplomat’s Beijing visit. A Chinese state-backed tabloid criticized a top U.S. State Department official’s travel to China as Washington’s attempt to portray itself as the side seeking communication.
The Global Times reported late Sunday that Chinese experts believe the U.S. has been sending a “goodwill message” to the world that it is seeking communication with China and blaming China for the lack of communication.
The harsh comments coincided with the arrival of Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Beijing, who the State Department said will discuss “key issues in the bilateral relationship” of the two giants.
After a suspected Chinese spy balloon sailed across U.S. airspace in February, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken canceled a trip to China, lowering Sino-U.S. ties.
Both sides argued over democratic Taiwan, which China claims as its own, and military activity in the South China Sea, raising tensions.
At a security forum in Singapore over the weekend, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Beijing’s reluctance to talk harmed regional peace.
China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu, under U.S. sanctions since 2018 for buying Russian military aircraft and equipment, declined Austin’s summit offer.
The Global Times reported that several experts doubt the U.S. can boost bilateral relations before the 2020 presidential election.
“The U.S. has been seeking dialogue while continuing to be provocative,” a Chinese state think tank analyst said. “We haven’t seen any positive statements from the U.S. concerning core interests or bilateral relations.”
According to the publication, Kritenbrink’s visit is not likely to provide “any breakthrough performance” and should be considered an active engagement.
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