Top diplomats from the US and China gather for crucial talks

© Reuters

Investing.com - US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently met with China's leading diplomat, Wang Yi, in Beijing as both nations attempt to strengthen their tense ties. The pair took a photograph together at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Monday before commencing diplomatic discussions.

Although it remains uncertain if Blinken will have an audience with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his two-day visit, he already participated in a similar meeting on Sunday with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Described by the US State Department as "candid, substantive, and constructive," this interaction aimed to keep communication channels open between the countries. As part of these ongoing efforts, Blinken invited Qin Gang for a follow-up trip to the United States.

Both parties expressed positivity following these meetings and agreed upon increasing commercial flights between their respective countries while also promoting interpersonal exchanges through student programs and business groups.

Wang Yi acknowledged that US-China relations are currently strained due primarily to misguided perceptions about China held by American officials. This sentiment was shared during his conversation with Antony Blinken.

Blinken's journey marks the highest-level visit by a US official since 2019 – partly due to pandemic-related travel restrictions – and follows increased engagement between high-ranking authorities from both sides via virtual meetings or abroad events.

Over the weekend, President Biden mentioned his intentions of meeting Xi Jinping again soon; this encounter may potentially occur at California's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this year.