US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of responsible management of differences between the United States and China during his visit to Shanghai, setting the stage for anticipated discussions on critical issues including Russia, Taiwan, and trade.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for responsible management of differences between the United States and China during his recent visit to Shanghai, ahead of anticipated discussions on key issues including Russia, Taiwan, and trade.

During his visit, Blinken engaged in a softer approach to diplomacy, participating in local activities such as sampling local cuisine and attending a basketball game, reflecting efforts to ease recent tensions between the two nations.

He emphasized the importance of direct engagement and sustained dialogue to address significant differences between the world's two largest economies.

In meetings with local leaders, including Communist Party Secretary Chen Jining, Blinken highlighted the critical choice between cooperation and confrontation and its impact on both countries and global well-being.

Despite no scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping, Blinken reiterated the commitment of Presidents Biden and Xi to strengthen people-to-people ties between the US and China.

Blinken also addressed concerns about aggressive treatment of Chinese nationals at US airports, emphasizing the US commitment to welcoming Chinese students.

In upcoming talks, Blinken is expected to raise concerns about China's relationship with Russia, particularly in light of tensions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

US officials believe China is receptive to Western concerns as it navigates domestic economic challenges and seeks to avoid friction with Western nations.

Blinken's visit comes amid broader tensions, including US legislation targeting Chinese-owned companies like TikTok, which China views as economic coercion.

Blinken will encourage China to exercise restraint as Taiwan inaugurates a new president, amidst China's claims over the self-governing democracy.

US officials viewed China's approach during Taiwan's election positively, seeing it as a step towards easing tensions between the US and China.

Overall, Blinken's visit underscores efforts to navigate complex US-China relations through dialogue and engagement, despite ongoing challenges and strategic differences.