Chinese, U.S. Readouts of Qin-Blinken meeting in Beijing

Substantive and Positive

The Chinese readout via China Central Television

On June 18th, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken in Beijing.

Qin Gang stated that currently, China-U.S. relations are at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which is not in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples or the common expectations of the international community. China has always maintained continuity and stability in its policies towards the United States, fundamentally adhering to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. These principles should also be the shared spirit, bottom line, and goal that both sides uphold together. China is committed to building a stable, predictable, and constructive China-U.S. relationship. It is hoped that the U.S. side will have an objective and rational understanding of China, walk towards China, maintain the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and calmly, professionally, and rationally handle unexpected incidents. Both sides should faithfully implement the consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Biden at their meeting in Bali, and work to stabilize and get China-U.S. relations back on the right track.

Qin Gang clarified China's solemn stance and put forward specific demands on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, including the Taiwan question. Qin Gang pointed out that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, it is the most significant issue in China-U.S. relations, and it is also the most prominent risk. China urges the U.S. side to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, and truly implement its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence".

The two sides engaged in a long, candid, in-depth, and constructive communication on the overall China-U.S. relationship and relevant important issues.

Both sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached at the summit between the heads of state in Bali, effectively manage differences, and promote dialogue, communication, and cooperation.

Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges. Secretary Blinken invited State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit the United States, and Qin Gang expressed willingness to visit the United States at a mutually convenient time.

Both sides agreed to continue the consultations on the principles guiding China-U.S. relations.

Both sides agreed to continue the consultations of the China-U.S. Joint Working Group to address specific issues in the bilateral relationship.

Both sides agreed to encourage the expansion of cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, actively explore increasing passenger flights between China and the United States, welcome more students, scholars, and business people to visit each other's countries, and provide support and convenience for such visits.

Both sides also exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern.

(Credit: Secretary Anthony Blinken’s tweet.)

The U.S. readout from the Department of State

Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with People’s Republic of China State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held candid, substantive, and constructive talks today with People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing. The Secretary emphasized the importance of diplomacy and maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation. The Secretary raised a number of issues of concern, as well as opportunities to explore cooperation on shared transnational issues with the PRC where our interests align. The Secretary made clear that the United States will always stand up for the interests and values of the American people and work with its allies and partners to advance our vision for a world that is free, open, and upholds the international rules-based order. The Secretary and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin also noted the importance of facilitating exchanges between the people of the United States and the PRC. The Secretary invited State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin to Washington to continue the discussions, and they agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time.

The Secretary’s meetings with PRC officials in Beijing will continue on June 19.