[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken stated on the 4th (local time) that "the United States is in intense competition with China," but also said, "President Joe Biden is strongly determined to prevent competition with China from escalating into conflict."
Secretary Blinken appeared on CBS News that day and said, "The whole world expects us to manage our relationship with China responsibly." This remark followed Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman's earlier comment that the possibility of war between the U.S. and China cannot be completely ruled out.
Additionally, when asked what he would say to President Xi Jinping if he visits China early next year as a follow-up to the U.S.-China summit, Blinken replied, "I will say what President Biden mentioned to President Xi." He added, "President Biden said that human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens are fundamental to the United States, and no U.S. president has ever remained silent on this issue."
Furthermore, he explained the background of his visit by saying, "We want to make sure there are no misunderstandings with China," and "Active channels of communication with China are the best way to achieve this."
Along with this, Secretary Blinken responded to criticism that the U.S. is taking a moderate approach to recent protests in China, unlike with Iran, by saying, "Whether it is Iran or China, we support the rights of citizens to protest peacefully," and "Whenever any country tries to suppress peaceful protests in any way, we speak out against it."
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