The initial talks between the US government, led by Joe Biden, and China were “tough and direct.” During the two-day consultations in Anchorage, Alaska, the envoys found several matches, says US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
“We did expect the talks to be difficult and we said that honestly,” Sullivan said after the consultations. Sullivan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke with Chinese foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and Principal Adviser Wang Yi during three sessions.
Yang told Chinese state media that the talks were “frank, constructive and helpful.” But of course there are still many differences. “
The United States should not underestimate the extent to which China will go to defend sovereignty
Pictures from CNN show that the start of the meeting was difficult. The Chinese delegation said that the opening statement to the Americans was “condescending.” The statement expressed concerns about Hong Kong, Taiwan and the persecution of Uyghurs. The US Secretary of State said: “China’s reaction was logical, because our positions are very different, but we knew that we must raise these issues.”
Wang told Chinese media that he had clearly informed the US delegation that Chinese sovereignty is a matter of principle. “The United States should not underestimate the extent to which China goes in defense of sovereignty.” According to China, all other countries’ interference with Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Uyghurs is attempts to undermine their sovereignty.
Canadians arrested
A US diplomat said the case against the Canadians in China was also being discussed. The United States has expressed concerns about the husband. According to Canada, the two were imprisoned in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou. China suspects Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig of espionage.
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