Chinese Communist Party’s diplomatic arm in ‘candid and constructive’ meeting with US think tank Asia Society
- They discussed ways to improve communication and cooperation, and to manage conflicts and differences, according to state media
- China has stepped up backchannel efforts with the United States amid signs of a thaw in bilateral relations
The party’s International Liaison Department had a “candid and constructive” exchange of views during the “Track 1.5 dialogue” with the New York-based organisation, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.
Their exchange covered ways to improve communication and cooperation, and to manage conflicts and differences, Xinhua said, without elaborating.
The liaison department, with a focus on inter-party diplomacy, usually plays a central role in China’s dealings with North Korea.
Track 1 diplomacy takes place between government officials, but diplomats looking to address difficult policy challenges are increasingly incorporating what is known as Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogue – or backchannel diplomacy – into their strategies. Track 1.5 dialogue involves both government officials and non-government experts, while Track 2 discussions bring together unofficial representatives on both sides, with no government participation.