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All opinions expressed are mine and are not representative of Miami’s Community Newspapers nor does it reflect their stances on the topics discussed below.
This weekend, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Beijing for the first Cabinet level visit to China by the US since 2018. The long awaited meeting was delayed due to the spy balloon incident that occurred months prior. With relations between the US and China souring over the past couple years, the White House hopes this can prove to be a step towards repairing strained ties. At the onset, however, the signs do not look promising.
During a call this week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry openly denounced the United States in no uncertain terms, suggesting, “the US side should respect and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and stop harming China’s sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition.” It is worth noting that the use of the word, “internal affairs,” is likely in reference to Taiwan, which China considered to be a rogue province within its borders. Infringement upon Chinese “sovereignty,” is likely a reference to the US’ patrols of the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, both of which they claim with no international recognition or backing. Not even from Putin and Russia, who remain neutral on the dispute.
Antony Blinken will also likely be placing the close calls between US and Chinese naval and air forces in the South China Sea at Beijing’s feet. China has resorted to making aggressive maneuvers, cutting off an American naval vessel and air pilot in two separate incidents as a show of enforcement on their claims over the South China Sea.
The Chinese have made it clear what their stance is going to be. The Foreign Ministry has stated that the US, “cannot have it both ways,” in calling for peace while “interfering,” in their affairs. The reality for China is that the US intends to have it both ways. American doctrine towards China has turned increasingly hawkish, particularly in Congress where both Democrats and Republicans have passed measures intent on limiting China. The US has quietly, but not subtly, held the position that China’s path to peace lies in one road: standing down. The highly anticipated visit will involve crucial talks on the next few steps for the US and China and though it will take place in Beijing, the pressure lies on China to make a choice regarding its aggression towards Taiwan and its Pacific neighbors.
Andres Pena is a Pinecrest resident and graduate of New York University with degrees in both English and American Literature and Political Science. He works for Miami’s Community News as both a writer and administrative assistant. For more inquiries on US and Global News, contact andres@communitynewspapers.com or call 305-951-6726.
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