China greets Blinken with a caution on avoiding tension over Taiwan

China issued a warning on Wednesday regarding US military support for Taiwan, stating that it increases the risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. This came after the US Congress approved an eight billion dollar military aid package for the island. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in China for his second visit in less than a year, aiming to address deep differences in relations with the country, particularly on issues like security, trade, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin emphasized that stronger military ties between the US and Taiwan would not bring security to the island, but instead would escalate tensions and the potential for conflict. He warned that such actions could have negative consequences in the Taiwan Strait. The aid package approved by the US Congress also included support for allies like Ukraine and Israel, with Taiwan viewing this aid as necessary for deterrence against tyranny.

China, which does not rule out using force to reclaim Taiwan, stated that it would take strong measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Wang stressed that arming Taiwan would not lead to its independence but rather would disrupt peace and stability in the region. Blinken’s visit to China is aimed at addressing these concerns and promoting dialogue to ease tensions between the two countries.

Blinken is expected to hold talks with Chinese leaders and convey US concerns about trade practices that Washington sees as anti-competitive. He will also visit Shanghai to engage with students and business leaders, highlighting the friendly relations between Americans and Chinese. This visit marks a shift in Sino-American relations compared to the previous year, demonstrating a more pragmatic approach to managing competition while safeguarding national interests.