China Warns of 'Downward Spiral' Risk in US-PRC Relations

Facts

• China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioned the US on Friday against crossing the country's 'red lines' in terms of sovereignty, security, or development, and warned of a 'downward spiral' in bilateral relations.¹
• Wang told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that while relations were stabilizing, they were being tested by some issues and claiming that China's development was being suppressed and its primary national interests challenged.²
• Blinken reportedly stressed the importance of responsibly managing the 'most consequential relationship' for both countries and people around the world, given the global impact of PRC-US ties.³
• Following his talks with Wang, Blinken met with China's President Xi Jinping, who said that the US and China should be 'partners rather than adversaries' calling on Washington to view China's development in a positive light.⁴
• Xi warned against 'vicious competition' and called for seeking collaboration amid tense bilateral relations over issues including the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Beijing's backing of Russia's Ukraine war.⁵
• Blinken's three-day trip comes as the US is reportedly considering sanctioning PRC companies for supplying Russia's defense industry and tariffs due to what Washington sees as overcapacity in Chinese production.⁶

Sources: ¹South China Morning Post, ²Pakistan Today, ³Firstpost, ⁴CNN, ⁵ft.com and ⁶Guardian.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by The Telegraph. China's actions, such as maritime disputes with the Philippines and military activities near Taiwan and India, are prompting neighboring countries to bolster defenses and form alliances. China's aspirations as a dominant power are reshaping regional dynamics, leading to a rise in defense spending and security cooperation among smaller nations. It is, therefore, China that is turning itself into the world's enemy.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by XINHUA. The strained US-China relationship, marked by trade tariffs and security alliances, has complicated their ties. The US-China dynamic reflects power struggles and differing ideologies. To foster collaboration, a shift from confrontation to cooperation may be necessary, considering China's economic challenges and global pressures. Beijing hopes that Washington will begin to see the PRC more favorably.

Predictions