Ahead of US Blinken's China Visit, China Launches Preemptive Attack... Demands Revealed

Amid U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken's upcoming visit to China, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a preemptive stance by announcing demands on sensitive issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The head of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 23rd via China Central Television (CCTV) social media (SNS), "Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, there has been a stabilization trend in China-U.S. relations, but at the same time, negative elements in the bilateral relationship have also become prominent."

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State
[Photo by AP News]

He continued, "The United States has stubbornly pursued a China containment strategy, continuously engaging in wrongful words and deeds such as interfering in China's internal affairs, tarnishing China's image, and damaging China's interests. We firmly oppose and counter these actions. During Secretary Blinken's visit, China will focus on five objectives," he said.

China's five key objectives are: ▲ establishing correct understanding ▲ strengthening dialogue ▲ managing and controlling differences regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea, and sanctions against China ▲ mutual benefit and cooperation ▲ and jointly bearing the responsibilities of major powers.

He asserted that the United States must fulfill a total of seven commitments, adding two more to the so-called "Five Nos" mentioned by U.S. President Joe Biden at the U.S.-China summit in San Francisco last November: "not seeking a new Cold War," "not seeking to change China's system," "not seeking to oppose China through strengthening alliances," "not supporting Taiwan independence," and "not wanting to provoke conflict with China." The two additional commitments are "not seeking to suppress China's development" and "not seeking decoupling (such as supply chain separation) from China."

He said, "The United States is deeply entrenched in building an anti-China circle by pulling in its allies, which is completely against the trend, cannot win public support, and has no way out." He also stated, "We will focus on explaining our firm stance and making clear demands regarding Taiwan, economic and trade issues, science and technology, and the South China Sea." Secretary Blinken is expected to convey concerns about the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and drug issues such as fentanyl during this visit.

In particular, he emphasized that issues such as advanced technology suppression, export controls, investment reviews, and the new front in the U.S. offensive against China involving electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar equipment "overproduction," as well as the initiation of investigations under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, seriously harm China's interests, and said, "We will respond resolutely."

Regarding U.S. criticism of China's direct and indirect support for Russia, he stated, "The Ukraine issue is not a matter between China and the U.S., and the United States should not turn it into a China-U.S. issue."

The fentanyl issue is considered one of the topics Secretary Blinken will mention. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives' U.S.-China Strategic Competition Special Committee released a report stating that the Chinese government is directly subsidizing the production and export of illegal fentanyl precursors and synthetic drugs through tax rebates.

In response, he drew a clear line, saying, "This is not China's problem, nor a problem created by China." However, he added, "We will not stand idly by and are willing to provide assistance to the American people," and "The United States should appropriately address China's concerns on an equal footing."