NEW DELHI: The US Secretary of State urged China and the United States to resolve their conflicts “responsibly” on Thursday in an effort to develop good relations before anticipated contentious discussions.
A moment before engaging with Beijing’s top officials, Blinken ventured to the lively town of Shanghai. That, he indulged in regional cuisine, enjoyed a hockey match, and quiet walked along the famous Bund pier, overlooking the bustling Huangpu River.
Blinken met with the head of the native Communist Party in a reception area with spectacular views of Shanghai’s sky. He conveyed US President Joe Biden’s commitment to developing “direct and sustained” discourse between the country’s two largest economy, following years of escalating conflicts.
” I think it’s important to underscore the worth– in reality, the necessity– of immediate engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are genuine, seeking to work through them”, Blinken said.
He said,” We have an obligation for our people to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly,” making it so.
Chen Jining, the Chinese Communist Party director for Shanghai, extended a nice welcome to Blinken, half in English, emphasizing the importance of US companies to the city.
” Whether we choose assistance or fight affects the properly- becoming of both citizens, both countries and the future of humanity”, Chen told Blinken.
Shanghai, known as the country’s financial capital, often serves as a launching pad for political careers in China, as evidenced by President Xi Jinping’s prior service in the city.
Although China has not yet made any plans for Blinken to meet with Xi, it should be noted that they had an impromptu meeting at the last minute during Blinken’s previous visit in June.
Blinken made his first trip to Shanghai on Wednesday night at a restaurant renowned for its steamed buns as the US Secretary of State did so for the first time in 14 years. Opting for a tieless suit, he dined with his senior staff outdoors, seated on wooden chairs in a bustling shopping arcade, while curious onlookers snapped pictures.
After dinner, Blinken spent the entire evening watching a thrilling playoff match between the Shanghai Sharks and the Zhejiang Golden Bulls.
( With inputs from agencies )
