Xi urges Blinken, US and China to be ‘Partners, not as Rivals’

• China urges Blinken to address rising disagreements or risk a “downward spiral” between the two powers.
• Blinken, making his second visit to the rival country in less than a year.
• Blinken’s aides previously indicated he would address concerns, including China’s support for Russia.

On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed to top US diplomat Antony Blinken that the world’s two biggest economies should be “partners, not rivals.” He added that there were “several issues” to resolve in their relations.

“The two countries should be partners, not rivals,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV, adding: “There are still several issues that need to be resolved, and there is still room for further efforts.”

As talks opened in Beijing, China urged Blinken to address rising disagreements or risk a “downward spiral” between the two powers.

Blinken, making his second visit to the rival country in less than a year, expressed hope for progress but stated that he would directly address areas of difference, expected to include Russia, Taiwan, and trade.

Receiving Blinken at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in the capital’s ancient gardens, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that relations between the world’s two largest economies were “beginning to stabilize” after leaders Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met at a November summit.

“But at the same time, the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building,” Wang said.

“The relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions. China’s legitimate development rights have been unreasonably suppressed and our core interests are facing challenges,” he said.

“Should China and the United States keep in the right direction of moving forward with stability, or return to a downward spiral?

“This is a major question before our two countries and tests our sincerity and ability.”

Blinken’s aides had previously indicated that he would address a range of concerns, including China’s support for Russia, which has rapidly rebuilt its military base two years into its invasion of Ukraine.

As he initiated the meeting with Wang, Blinken stated that he would be “very clear, very direct,” but added, “I hope we make some progress on the issues our presidents agreed on.”

The two countries should be as “clear as possible about the areas where we have differences — at the very least to avoid misunderstandings, to avoid miscalculations,” Blinken said.

“That is a shared responsibility that we have not only for our people but for people around the world.”

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