"High-Level Diplomatic Meetings in Washington Seek to Ease US-China Tensions"

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Washington to discuss the bilateral relationship between the US and China. While acknowledging disagreements, both sides emphasized the importance of finding common ground and addressing shared challenges. The conflict in the Middle East, particularly China's stance on the Israel-Hamas war, was expected to be a key topic of discussion. The importance of sustained military-to-military communication and avoiding escalation in the South China Sea were also highlighted. Some lawmakers criticized the meeting, calling for concrete actions from China on issues such as releasing American hostages and halting military expansionism.