Expectations for the first peak meeting between the US and China in the Biden era were low.
The opening was still surprising: both sides attacked each other with open words.
Anchorage, Alaska - It was like both sides wanted to drive their stakes in first - regardless of diplomatic niceties.
At their first meeting in the US state of Alaska, the top diplomats from the USA and China reproached each other - and in front of the cameras.
None of this was new in terms of content.
But the tone was unusually open and confrontational.
Both sides seemed to want to demonstrate toughness and determination to their respective domestic public at the first peak meeting since the new US President Joe Biden took office.
This ended in a one-hour, surprising exchange of blows in front of the eyes of the reporters present: inside.
China and USA: Clear words instead of diplomatic courtesy - everyone speaks longer than planned
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not mince words.
"The relationship between the United States and China will be competitive if necessary, cooperative if possible - and hostile if need be," said Blinken on Thursday (local time) in Anchorage.
The allies are glad that America is getting involved again, so Blinken - and addressed the counterparts from China directly: "I hear deep concern about some of the measures your government is taking." Blinken is about the issues that have been around for a long time on the table are: China's appearance in the Indo-Pacific, human rights, the trade conflict, cyberattacks.
Blinken emphasized that human rights problems such as those in Hong Kong or China's policy in the South China Sea were “not internal affairs” for China - and thus questioned one of the longstanding Chinese mantras.
The US is conducting talks with Beijing from a "position of strength," said the State Department.
Blinkens counterpart Yang Jiechi reacted visibly annoyed to Blinkens words.
The US used its "military power and financial hegemony to suppress other states," said Yang.
"It is important for both of our countries that we conduct our affairs well instead of shifting the blame on someone else in the world." Yang called on the US to sweep its own doorstep when it comes to human rights: human rights problems like racism are there deep: “They weren't just created in the last four years like Black Lives Matter.
“The West also represents“ not global public opinion. ”Yang's words are also recorded on video that he should have reminded the US side as soon as they entered the room that they should pay attention to tone and respect in their opening speeches.
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The foreign politicians of the USA and China are counting on open confrontation to start the talks.
© FREDERIC J. BROWN / Pool / AFP
Yang was foreign minister for many years and is considered to be an outspoken US expert.
Today, as a member of the Politburo for Foreign Affairs, he is the highest-ranking foreign politician in China.
Harsh remarks are usually made by today's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also present in Alaska and who was accused of being “inhospitable”.
The fourth is US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
All spoke significantly longer than the two minutes agreed for the opening statement.
According to participants, this was followed by a series of spontaneous thoughts as the reporters were first sent out and then called back.
Blinken, for example, said he knew the USA was “not perfect” - but challenges were always approached openly.
China and the USA: diplomacy after mutual accusations?
The usual common meal did not take place.
Behind closed doors, however, it was still more diplomatic, as the Hong Kong
South China Morning Post reported
, citing a US official.
Accordingly, both sides got straight to the point: “The following conversation was substantive, serious and direct.
In fact, the discussion went way beyond the two hours we had planned. ”The discussions will continue on Friday (March 18).
Despite all the conflicts, both governments want to work together on issues of global importance, such as combating climate change.
Both sides must also cooperate in international conflicts such as those relating to the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran.
The EU also wants to work with China on climate protection, among other things.
Brussels generally relies on a less confrontational approach than the USA.
The expectations had been rather low before the meeting.
"I do not see the Biden administration in the conviction that cooperation is essential," quoted the
South China Morning Post
Elizabeth Economy, an employee of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, shortly before the meeting.
“And the Chinese are ready to tolerate a high level of confrontation.” Nevertheless, the dialogue with Washington is important to Beijing - this is one of the reasons why Yang and Wang agreed to accept the first meeting on American soil.
The long-time Chinese ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai, had meanwhile called on the US to give up "illusions" that China could compromise on issues such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang or Taiwan.
For Beijing, these things have always been one of the core interests of national sovereignty.
Just before the meeting, the US imposed sanctions on 24 Chinese officials over electoral reform for Hong Kong.
Whether there will be a diplomatic breakthrough despite - or perhaps because of - the open confrontation at the beginning of the meeting will be revealed after the second day of the meeting.
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