China should brace for ‘difficult’ issues during Alaska meeting, US says
- ‘There is a long litany of disagreements,’ according to the US State Department, with topics likely to include Hong Kong, Taiwan and China’s treatment of Uygurs
- The Biden administration also recognises areas of potential collaboration, including climate change
The Chinese delegation should expect direct, unfettered talks when it meets with its US counterparts in Alaska next week, and Beijing is advised to do its part in addressing strained relations, the State Department said on Thursday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed this week that he and the White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, would meet China’s most senior foreign policy official, Yang Jiechi, and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi on Thursday in Anchorage. It will be the first in-person meeting between the countries of the Biden administration.
State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters on Thursday that it would be a “difficult” conversation. “We’ll be frank, and explain how Beijing’s actions and behaviour challenge the security, the prosperity, the values of not only the United States, but also our partners and allies,” he said.
“When it comes to this bilateral engagement, what we expect is for Beijing to demonstrate seriousness, to demonstrate seriousness regarding its own oft-stated desire to change the tone of our bilateral relationship.”
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China warns US to stay out of Hong Kong affairs ahead of Alaska talks
In a separate daily briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki added that US officials would address the “genocide” of China’s Muslim Uygur minority during the talks. Up to 1 million Uygurs are suspected of being held in camps that Beijing has characterised as employment centers.