SHANGHAI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a critical trip to China armed with a strengthened diplomatic hand following Senate approval of a foreign aid package that will provide billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform -– all areas of contention between Washington and Beijing.
Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday just hours after the Senate vote on the long-stalled legislation and shortly before President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law to demonstrate U.S. resolve in defending its allies and partners. Passage of the bill will add further complications to an already complex relationship that has been strained by disagreements over numerous global and regional disputes.
Still, the fact that Blinken is making the trip — shortly after a conversation between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a similar visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and a call between the U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs — is a sign the two sides are at least willing to discuss their differences.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
Authorities say 4 people are dead after a train collided with a pickup in rural Idaho
GLEN OWEN: The honeytrap MP... and the Godfather
Art contributes to rural development of village in China's Inner Mongolia
North Carolina legislators return to adjust the budget and consider other issues
Roma's match at Udinese called off after defender Evan Ndicka collapses
Italian industrial heritage exhibition in Chongqing sparks cultural dialogue
Poland's prosecutor general says previous government used spyware against hundreds of people
Spring Festival TV gala audience, viewership hit record highs
Pascal Siakam leads resurgent Pacers offense in 125
House Speaker Mike Johnson says he will push for aid to Israel and Ukraine this week