BEIJING - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday called on China to leverage its influence over North Korea to end its "dangerous" actions and return to diplomatic discussions. During a press conference in Beijing, Blinken discussed his engagements with top Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as part of his broader efforts to manage Sino-U.S. relations amid escalating tensions over various global and regional issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during his talks which spanned from Wednesday to Friday in both Shanghai and Beijing, he urged Chinese leaders to use their significant influence to encourage North Korea to cease its provocative actions and engage in dialogue. North Korea has intensified global concerns with recent tests of advanced weaponry, including a strategic cruise missile and a hypersonic warhead. Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Furthermore, the Secretary addressed serious U.S. concerns regarding China's economic support for Russia, particularly in supplying critical materials that bolster Russia’s military capabilities in its conflict with Ukraine. "China's assistance is critical for Russia's ability to continue its aggression," Blinken stated, highlighting the supply of dual-use technology and materials crucial for munitions and military hardware.
Blinken also raised issues of global trade imbalances, particularly China's overwhelming production of solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries, which he described as exceeding global demand and disrupting international markets. He stressed the importance of responsible management of U.S. technology exports to safeguard national security without unnecessarily hindering trade or investment.
Despite the array of challenges, both nations acknowledged the necessity of maintaining open communication to manage differences and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts. President Xi emphasized the potential for cooperation rather than rivalry, outlining principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as foundational for advancing Sino-U.S. relations.