The US State Department announced it has extended an invitation to China’s newly reappointed Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also the director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs. Interestingly, the Chinese side has remained quiet about the invitation despite a confirmed meeting between a senior Chinese diplomat and senior US officials from the State Department and National Security Council in Washington.
The invite comes amid escalating tensions between the two global powers. Chinese analysts argued Wednesday that, despite the apparent olive branch, the US continues to exhibit provocative behavior towards China, including on the sensitive issue of Taiwan. They suggest that even if China agrees to maintain communication during this fraught period, it doesn’t signify an easing of tensions. The analysts warned the Biden administration against presuming that the bilateral ties can be managed without sincere effort to rectify past mistakes.
On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement on its website, outlining that Yang Tao, the Director-General of the North American and Oceania Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, had consultations with US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, and the White House National Security Council’s Senior Director for China Affairs, Sarah Beran, in Washington. This meeting witnessed candid, in-depth and constructive discussions on China-US relations and other issues of global and regional significance.
In a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that the formal invitation to Wang Yi was extended during a meeting at the State Department between Kritenbrink and Yang. Although Miller did not confirm if China had accepted the invitation, he expressed optimism about the prospect. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement did not mention the invitation, focusing instead on Yang’s elucidation of China’s stern stance on Taiwan.
Recently, the White House announced a decision to provide approximately $345 million in military assistance to Taiwan. This move is the first instance of the Biden administration using its “presidential drawdown authority” to aid Taiwan militarily. This package aims to provide defense, education, and training to the island’s inhabitants.
US lawmakers have increased pressure on the Pentagon and White House to expedite weapons transfer to Taiwan, reportedly to help it counter China. The aid includes man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms, and missiles.
In response to this, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed Wednesday that the US’s provision of military aid for Taiwan seriously violates the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué. This move is said to undermine China’s sovereignty, security interests, peace, and stability across the Taiwan Strait. China has voiced strong disapproval and rejection of these actions, lodging serious representations to the US side.
China stressed that the Taiwan question is a critical element of China’s core interests and a red line not to be crossed in the China-US relationship. China further called on the US to cease all forms of military contact with Taiwan, stop arming the region under any pretext, halt factors escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and prevent conniving at and supporting attempts for ‘Taiwan independence’.
Despite these strained relations, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, warned that while the US continues to communicate with senior Chinese officials, it has not ceased its provocations and aggressions on the Taiwan issue and other matters. The US is suspected of attempting to legitimize its provocations and normalize the tensions, which could lead to escalation. This could push China to compromise on its bottom-line, weakening China’s resolve to counteract by signaling communication but lacking sincerity to stop its hostile moves.
As such, even though China is open to communication, it does not signify easing tensions or halting struggles. China will not hesitate to retaliate if the US initiates new provocations, and future meetings between senior officials of the two countries may not lead to de-escalation.
Professor Li Haidong at the China Foreign Affairs University noted that China and the US have different communication objectives. While China seeks potential cooperation premised on mutual respect of core interests, the US aims to identify China’s bottom line while continuing its risky and hostile struggle against China. Hence, although communications may continue, the struggle, competition, and confrontation may persist due to the US’s perceived lack of respect or sincerity.
Another issue raising concern among analysts is the announcement of an August trip to Paraguay by Lai Ching-te, Taiwan secessionist Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate for the 2024 regional election, which includes stopovers in New York and San Francisco. This trip could worsen tensions in the Taiwan Straits and signify another instance of the US supporting Taiwan secessionism, contradicting its stance of opposing Taiwan Independence.
Given these developments, it’s difficult to predict the outcomes of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting or the G20 Leaders’ Summit, or the potential of another China-US summit later this year. Analysts highlight that the US is creating many uncertainties that could undermine its plan to engage with China.
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