Blinken was scheduled to meet with Chinese leaders in Beijing on Friday, where he planned to urge restraint during Taiwan's inauguration and discuss US concerns regarding Chinese trade practices.

Despite tensions, there have been signs of easing relations between the world's two largest economies since Blinken's last visit in June 2023, which was the highest-level US visit to China in five years and was followed by a meeting between the presidents in November.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached an agreement at a California summit, with Xi committing to US requests such as military contact restoration and curbing production of fentanyl precursors.

Blinken's visit to Shanghai on Wednesday aims to showcase positive relations between the two peoples, marking the first US secretary of state trip to the city since 2010.

Previous tensions between the US and China have made such a visit unlikely, but recent improvements in relations have made it possible.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also visited Guangzhou before her Beijing trip earlier this month.

The US-China relationship has improved since last year's historic low point, according to a senior US official.

Despite this, the US will continue to protect its national interests and take measures against China.

This contrasts with the Biden administration's efforts to isolate Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Initially pleased that China had not directly supplied weapons to Russia, the US has recently accused China of providing industrial materials and technology to Moscow.

The US is urging European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, to maintain pressure on China to not support Russia.

The US believes that China wants stable ties with the West as it focuses on economic challenges at home.

Blinken criticized China for posing a major threat to European security while also expressing hope for good relations.

The Biden administration has highlighted China's recent actions against illicit fentanyl production as a positive step, with the first enforcement measures taken since 2017.

Blinken plans to ask for further implementation and more regular law enforcement actions against Chinese chemical companies and pill press manufacturers involved in the illicit fentanyl supply chain to demonstrate China's commitment to addressing this issue.

The US and China are experiencing tension due to new legislation in the US that could force TikTok, a popular social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, to be divested or be banned from the American market.

China's leaders are taking a wait-and-see approach ahead of the US election, as they focus on their economy and do not expect any positive trade news from the Biden administration.

Former president Donald Trump has promised a more confrontational approach towards China.

Chinese leaders prioritize maintaining stability in their relationship with the US, as they wait for clarity on the next American administration before considering alternative strategies.