US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began talks in Beijing on Friday, with China urging him to address rising disagreements between the two powers to prevent a "downward spiral." Blinken expressed hope for progress but planned to discuss areas of difference, including Russia, Taiwan, and trade.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that relations between the world's two largest economies were improving after a summit between leaders
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in November.
Wang, a Chinese diplomat, expressed concerns about the increasing negative factors in U.S.-China relations, including the suppression of China's development rights and challenges to its core interests.
He raised the question of whether the two countries should continue moving forward with stability or return to a downward spiral.
Blinken's aides mentioned that he would discuss China's support for Russia and its military base in Ukraine during their talks.
In the opening of a meeting with Wang, Blinken expressed his intent to be clear and direct while hoping for progress on agreements between the US and China.
He emphasized the importance of being clear about differences to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations, which is a shared responsibility for both countries and beneficial for people worldwide.