Attempts to preserve dialogue and deep strategic distrust are appearing at the same time in U.S.-China relations: Washington says it wants stable ties with Beijing, while Beijing says communication is continuing over a possible visit by the U.S. president.
At a February 24 hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the administration wants a stable relationship with China but does not trust Beijing. He said there was ’’not enough basis’’ for that trust.
Helberg’s remarks came as Washington and Beijing prepare for a high-level meeting.
On the Chinese side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a February 24 briefing that ’’head-of-state diplomacy’’ plays an irreplaceable strategic role in China-U.S. relations, and that the two sides are continuing communication regarding a possible visit.
The White House has confirmed that Trump’s visit to China is scheduled for March 31 to April 2. It would be his first trip to China since returning to office.
Author: Mariam Simsive
