Blinken Looking For Cooperation On Transnational Issues In China Trip

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a press conference alongside Singaporean Foreign Minister Balakrishnan, has told reporters he will speak "candidly" with Chinese officials about US concerns during this weekend's trip to China.

• Blinken: "We look forward to having a series of meetings with officials in Beijing, building on the engagements we've had since President Biden and President Xi met in Bali late last year."
• Blinken says his trip has three objectives: "To establish open and empowered communications... to advance US interests and values, including speaking directly and candidly on a range of issues and concerns... to explore the potential for cooperation on transnational challenges - global economic stability, elicit drugs, climate, and health."
• Blinken: "Intense competition with China requires sustained diplomacy to ensure competition does not veer into confrontation or conflict."
• The State Department has gone to lengths to manage expectations ahead of the trip, warning that Blinking is unlikely to come away with a long list of deliverables.
• US officials have also declined to comment on whether Blinken will meet with President Xi during his trip.