The expectations for the outcome of Blinken’s visit were low, whether from the United States, China, or international public opinion. Prior to Blinken’s departure, the United States held a rare briefing on his trip with Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, and Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
The briefing’s level was described as “unprecedented.” This demonstrates the significance that the United States places on this visit, but the two US officials also make an effort to downplay the expectations of the public. It’s straightforward that general assessment on the Chinese web has low assumptions for this visit too. It is normal for any nation to have low expectations after suffering under the oppression of the United States on multiple occasions.
Despite the fact that there are very low expectations for any breakthroughs to take place during Blinken’s trip to China, there is still hope that both parties can maintain their “bottom line” in the relationship. Blinken’s trip wouldn’t be possible if there weren’t important issues on which both sides can agree, even though the relationship is at its lowest point since diplomatic ties were established.
These consensuses, which are also the fundamental guidelines for ensuring that the relationship between the two countries remains stable, were collectively reflected in the meeting that the leaders of China and the United States held in November of last year in Bali. Due to the direction, the two nations are able to have productive conversations when bilateral ties are at their lowest.
Blinken stated prior to his visit, “What we are working to do on this trip is to really carry forward what President Biden and President Xi agreed to in Bali.” It should be noted that whether Blinken’s visit contributes to restoring the China-US relationship to the consensus reached by the two leaders in Bali will be the most important criterion for determining whether it is successful.
