Blinken to make US’s ‘tough approach’ clear in first China talks

In Alaska talks, US officials will make clear ‘deep concerns’ about China’s actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The United States will tell China it is looking for “deeds, not words” if Beijing wants a change in the tone of bilateral ties, two US officials said on Tuesday, ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterparts in Alaska. The high-level talks, scheduled for Thursday, are aimed at “getting an understanding of each other” and “taking stock” of ties as the new government of US President Joe Biden formulates its China policy, the officials said. Washington will also make clear its “deep concerns” about China’s actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan and lay down “some specific steps” that Beijing needs to take to change course, the officials said, briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity.