Beijing: Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed Sunday on the need to further increase flights between the two largest economies, which remain at a bare minimum since Covid-19.
In the extended discussion in Beijing, the two top diplomats “agreed to work together to increase the number of flights”, a US official said to the media on condition of anonymity, while adding that no proper number was set.
China, US Agree to Increase Flights
During the talks, Blinken and Qin agreed on the need to increase flights between the US and China, which have been minimal due to the ongoing pandemic. The development reflects efforts to improve bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
The meeting between Blinken and Qin marks the highest-level trip by a US official to China in nearly five years and signals a commitment to stabilize strained relations between the two nations. Prior to the talks, US officials had tempered expectations for significant breakthroughs, given the multitude of disputes spanning trade, technology, regional security, and human rights.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Secretary Blinken raised various concerns during the discussions while also exploring opportunities for collaboration on shared transnational issues where interests align.
During the visit, Blinken extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Qin to visit Washington, D.C., to further continue the discussion. Both sides agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time. The two-day trip by the top American diplomat took place against the backdrop of chilly bilateral relations and follows the earlier postponement due to the discovery of a suspected spy balloon above the United States in February.
President Joe Biden downplayed the significance of the balloon incident as Blinken departed for China, stating that he did not believe China’s leadership had prior knowledge of its whereabouts or intentions. Biden characterized it as more embarrassing than intentional. The U.S. President expressed his desire to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping once again, following their extensive discussions in November during the G20 summit in Bali. During that meeting, both leaders reached an agreement on Blinken’s visit and expressed hope for addressing their legitimate differences while exploring areas of potential cooperation.
