The initial talks between Joe Biden’s US government and China were “harsh and direct.” During the two-day consultation in Anchorage, Alaska, the emissaries found multiple matches, says United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
‘We already expected it to be tough talks, and we have said that honestly,’ said Sullivan after the consultation. Sullivan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with China’s foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and key adviser Wang Yi during three sessions.
Yang told Chinese state media the talks were “candid, constructive and helpful.” “But of course, there are still many differences.”
Images from CNN show that the start of the meeting was difficult. The Chinese delegation said the Americans’ opening statement was “condescending”. The statement expressed concerns about Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the persecution of the Uyghurs.
“China’s response made sense, as our positions are very divergent, but we knew we had to raise these issues,” said the US secretary.
Wang told Chinese media that he has clearly informed the US delegation that Chinese sovereignty is a matter of principle. “The US should not underestimate how far China is going to defend sovereignty.”
According to China, all interference with Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Uyghurs by other countries is an attempt to undermine sovereignty.
Arrested Canadians
A US diplomat said the case against two Canadians in China has also been discussed. The US has expressed concerns about the pair. According to Canada, the two have been imprisoned in revenge for the arrest of Huawei’s top woman Meng Wanzhou. China suspects Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig of espionage.
