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High-level meetings between China and the United States are once again at the center of markets, and the official statements that follow these meetings are analyzed by some investors as closely as minutes of the Federal Reserve System.
Investors want to know where the relationship is headed, so it matters how much Washington’s diplomatic approach can differ from Beijing’s — both in content and tone.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met last weekend in Germany to discuss Ukraine, Taiwan and this month’s incursion into US airspace – and the US shooting down – of a Chinese”spy balloon.”
The following is a comparison of official diplomatic statements United States and China which followed the Blinken-Wang meeting.
Spy balloon
US Department of State: The Minister directly addressed the PRC’s unacceptable violation of US sovereignty and international law in US territorial airspace and emphasized that this irresponsible act must never be repeated. The minister made it clear that the United States will not stand for any infringement of our sovereignty and that the PRC’s high-altitude balloon tracking program – which has penetrated the airspace of more than 40 countries on 5 continents – has been exposed to the world.
Chinese Foreign Ministry: Wang Yi expressed China’s strong position on the so-called “balloon incident” and pointed out that what the US side did was clearly an abuse of power and a violation of customary international practice and the International Convention on Civil Aviation. China condemns it and strongly protests against it. It is the USA that is actually the number one country in terms of tracking, whose high altitude balloons have flown illegally over China several times. The US is in no position to smear China. What the US needs to do is show sincerity and acknowledge and address the damage its abuse of power has caused to Sino-US relations. If the US side continues to make a fuss, dramatize and escalate an unintended and isolated incident, it should not expect the Chinese side to back down. The American side should be prepared to bear all the consequences of escalation.
Ukraine
US State Department: On Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, the minister warned of consequences and consequences if China provides Russia with material support or help in circumventing systemic sanctions.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Wang Yi emphasized that China stands by principles on the Ukraine issue. China is committed to supporting peace talks and has played a constructive role. The comprehensive strategic coordination partnership between China and Russia is built on the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third countries, which is within the sovereign right of two independent states. We do not accept finger-pointing by the US or even pressure aimed at China-Russia relations. As a major country, the US has every reason to work towards a political settlement of the crisis rather than fanning the flames or profiting from it.
Taiwan
US State Department: The minister reaffirmed that there has been no change in the US’s long-term policy towards China and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Wang Yi pointed out that in order to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, it is necessary to firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” and support the One China principle. On the Taiwan issue, the US side should respect historical facts, honor its political commitments, and adhere to its statement of “not supporting Taiwan independence.”
North Korean missile test
US State Department: Today’s secretary condemned it DPRK ICBM test as the latest act of destabilization by Pyongyang and highlighted the need for responsible powers to respond to such significant international challenges.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The ministry did not mention North Korea.
