US-China relations: would a Mark Esper visit to Beijing ease tensions, or add to the confusion?

As the storm between Beijing and Washington continues to brew, the US defence secretary says he wants to improve ‘crisis communication’ channels

But with the two sides locked in conflict on multiple fronts, observers question what he will be able to achieve

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Observers say the US is sending mixed messages on how it wants to resolve its differences with China. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:26pm, 23 Jul 2020Updated: 4:39am, 24 Jul 2020

When US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday he wanted to visit Beijing this year to improve “crisis communications” channels, some in Beijing saw it as an opportunity for the two sides to turn the tide of their rapidly declining relationship.

But that hope was short-lived, as the very same day, Washington ordered the Chinese consulate in Houston to close, triggering a furious response from Beijing – which vowed to retaliate – and ensuring the flames of mutual animosity continued to burn brightly.

While most observers expect China-US relations to maintain their downward trajectory, at least until the US election, which could see a new administration take over in the White House, others have said the apparent inconsistency in Washington’s moves could provide some positives.

Esper’s comments were certainly a tick in the conciliatory column, and Beijing reacted to them in an equally positive way.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper says he wants to visit China this year. Photo: Reuters

“The military-to-military relationship between the two countries is an important part of Sino-US diplomacy,” China’s foreign ministry said.

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