China (Washington Insider Magazine)—Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to China aimed at reinforcing the dialogue between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. In the visit, Blinken addressed important issues including stopping fentany trafficking and human rights issues.
The 45th anniversary of China and the US diplomatic relationship served as the backdrop for Blinken’s visit. Amidst heightened tensions, both parties endeavoured to accentuate points of convergence while recognizing preexisting differences that impact each other’s foreign policy.
Allegations of Disparagement
According to Larazon, after Blinken left China, there were social media reports that China had treated him with disrespect by not giving him a sendoff worthy of someone in his position. There were circulating posts saying that no Chinese officials were present at the airport when the US ambassador said goodbye to Blinken.
Social Media Reaction
Posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) garnered significant attention, accumulating thousands of views. One such post highlighted the absence of Chinese officials during Blinken’s departure, drawing attention to a photograph showing only Blinken and Ambassador Nicholas Burns exchanging farewells on the tarmac.
Chinese Response and Dismissal of Allegations
Yang Liu, a reporter for the Chinese news agency Xinhua, sidelined the issue by refraining from addressing the alleged snub directly. Instead, attention was directed towards the substantive discussions held during Blinken’s visit.
Analysis from Experts
Ryan Hass, an Asia scholar at the Brookings Institution, remarked on the significance of Blinken’s discussions with Chinese officials, emphasizing that the outcomes of these talks would determine the success of the visit. Hass downplayed the significance of the farewell incident, stating that it would not be a focal point for the US government.
In summary, while rumors persist regarding China’s treatment of Blinken during his visit to Beijing, experts underscore the importance of substantive dialogue between the two nations over diplomatic niceties.