Antony Blinken arrives in Beijing changing into first prime US diplomat to go to China in 5 years

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Beijing.

His arrival marks the primary go to of a prime American diplomat to China in 5 years, as relations between the 2 international locations have turn into more and more frosty.

Having postponed a February journey after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over US airspace, Mr Blinken is ready to turn into the highest-ranking US authorities official to go to China since President Joe Biden took workplace in January 2021.

During his journey he’s anticipated to satisfy with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, China’s prime diplomat Wang Yi and probably President Xi Jinping.

The purpose of the go to is to ascertain open and strong communication channels between Washington and Beijing, to make sure the American/Chinese strategic rivalry doesn’t spiral into battle.

“There’s a recognition on both sides that we do need to have senior level channels of communication,” a senior State Department official informed reporters throughout a refuel cease in Tokyo en path to Beijing.

“That we are at an important point in the relationship where I think reducing the risk of miscalculation, or as our Chinese friends often say, stopping the downward spiral in the relationship, is something that’s important,” the official added.