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[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim On-yu] China is expected to dispatch a top-level diplomat to restore relations with the United States and seek cooperation with the new Biden administration.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 22nd (local time) that China is planning to send Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs, to Washington DC to meet with senior officials of the Biden administration's foreign and security team.

A source familiar with the matter said this plan has rapidly emerged since Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Biden last month.

Yang Jiechi's visit to the U.S. is known to be aimed at exploring the possibility of the first summit between President Xi and President Biden.

To this end, China plans to focus on COVID-19 and climate change, which are major concerns of President Biden, rather than trade issues that were the core agenda of U.S.-China talks during the Donald Trump administration.

According to WSJ, if a high-level U.S.-China meeting is held, China intends to propose cooperation on COVID-19 vaccine certification protocols based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Through these measures, China expects that individuals presenting immunity proof will be able to travel freely between the two countries.

Additionally, China is also considering discussing joint efforts with the U.S. to supply vaccines to developing countries.