US Foreign Minister Antony Blinken, here on his way on board a plane in Italy. Next week he is going to China. Photo: Ciro de Luca / AP / NTB
Of NTB | 20.04.2024 22:40:24
Policy: The visit is the US Secretary of State’s second to the country in less than a year. It is seen as a signal that the friction between the US and China is easing, after some difficult years that began when Donald Trump was president.
President Joe Biden has advocated increased stability in the relationship, but has also made sure to keep the pressure up.
He recently had a summit with the heads of state of Japan and the Philippines, both of whom are at loggerheads with China. Biden has also proposed increasing tariffs on Chinese steel.
American officials believe that China is behind a major effort to help Russia carry out the largest militarization since the Soviet era. The matter will be high on Blinken’s agenda during the visit, they say.
(© NTB)