Reuters
The Chinese Foreign Ministry reports that the meeting was frank, meaningful and constructive. As it follows from a rather skimpy report, Wang Yi once again lectured his opponent, from which one can find out how, in Beijing’s view, Washington, which regularly states that it does not support Taiwan’s independence, should behave. The Chinese diplomatic chief once again pointed out that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is part of China’s territory, and «this is the real status quo of the Taiwan issue». But the problem is that «the separatist activities of ‘Taiwan independence’ as well as the connivance and support of outside forces are trying to change this status quo». If the U.S. really wants stability in the Taiwan Strait, it should adhere to the One-China principle and the Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, and honor its statement that it does not support «Taiwan independence».
Wang Yi also suggested that the US authorities stop harassing Chinese on US soil by detaining them and filing far-fetched charges against them.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the talks also discussed the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Korean Peninsula. However, there are no details on these topics.
In general terms, Wang Yi made a reference to last year’s meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, during which «an important consensus was reached». That is the consensus that should be honored, according to the Chinese diplomat, and that would promote «the development of Sino-US relations in the direction of healthy, stable and sustainable development». «To this end, both sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation, and actively seek the right ways for the two major countries to work together. The U.S. should look at China’s development objectively and rationally, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy toward China, and realize President Biden’s commitments into concrete actions».
The U.S. State Department’s report is also not full of «spicy» details. Although they note with satisfaction that China is faithfully implementing the agreements on maintaining open channels of communication and constructively conducting a dialog on the so-called fentanyl issue, as well as participating in contacts between the militaries of the two countries.
In general, the meeting, if we judge it by official reports, could be called ritualistic. China demonstrates readiness for dialog, which the US has been seeking. But no more than that. Almost the same set of «exchange of views» positions was in the course of the January meeting between Wang Yi and Jake Sullivan, the U.S. president’s National Security Advisor. The Chinese minister said then that Taiwan’s independence was the biggest challenge to the PRC’s relations with the US. «The greatest risk to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and the greatest challenge to China-US relations is also Taiwan independence», were the words of the Chinese Foreign Minister. At the same time, he reminded the advisor once again that U.S. leader Joe Biden has repeatedly said that the United States does not support the island’s sovereignty.
But what is the real story? It seems that the true situation around Taiwan is no secret to both sides. Hypocritically claiming adherence to the Sino-American communiqués and paying lip service to the existence of «One China», Washington is heavily arming the island, which is legally one of the PRC’s provinces. It would be naive to say that the US is thus interfering in China’s internal affairs, although it is true. In fact, Washington is preserving the status quo and encouraging Taipei’s separatism. The US has a «red button» in its hands, with the help of which it can blow up the region at any time.
The visit of a group of U.S. congressmen to Taiwan, scheduled for February 21, is a clear indication of the true intentions of the US and its real policy. It will be led by Mike Gallagher, head of the House Committee on China. This will be the first visit of high-ranking politicians from the United States to the island after the presidential elections held there in mid-January.
Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the pro-American ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and then incumbent vice president, was elected head of state. He will take office on May 20.
The delegation is expected to meet with Lai as well as with Taiwan’s new parliamentary speaker, Han Kuo-yu, representing the Kuomintang, a party more favorable to the mainland.
Beijing, in turn, pulling Taiwan economically into its orbit, is tightening the ring of military pressure on the island. And it does not rule out (if Taipei declares independence) the military option of returning the rebellious province. Well, how else should the Chinese, from whom someone is trying to take away part of their sovereignty, act?
Still, one moment in the negotiations stands out. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, «Wang Yi demanded that the United States lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals and not undermine China’s legitimate rights and development interests». Although there is no direct indication that it refers to those who «dare» to cooperate with Russia — this is how it was viewed in Russia.
As is well known, China is categorically opposed to interference by third forces in bilateral relations. And it has stated this more than once, including to the Americans.
Of course, we do not know everything that the chief diplomats of China and the United States talked about and in what terms. But the overall impression is that both do not expect breakthroughs and revelations from these meetings. They are making sure that something out of the ordinary does not happen in this managed rivalry, that some uncontrolled confusion does not occur, or that relations do not turn into open confrontation. And for this purpose such meetings are quite suitable.
The year has just begun, and we will surely witness similar meetings in the future. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a visit to the United States, and President Biden’s return visit is unlikely to take place, primarily because of the peculiarities of the U.S. election cycle. But they may well meet on the margins of international forums. If everything is calm in Taiwan (as well as on the Korean Peninsula), the leaders of China and the United States will once again come to some kind of consensus. On the one hand, this will add little to bilateral relations, but on the other hand, it will promise some stability for the rest of the world. And that’s a good thing.