Blinken, Qin Have Candid Talks

(MNI Australia) US Secretary of State Blinked and China Foreign Minister Qin Gang held 'candid, substantive and constructive' talks according to both sides. Blinken's trip continues today, where he is expected to meet with Wang Yi, China's top foreign affairs official, but there is no word yet on whether a meeting with China President Xi Jinping will take place.

• Expectations for the meeting were set fairly low, with the main aim being to re-establish open lines of communication at a high level.
• Per Reuters reports: "Qin Gang pointed out that the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests, the most important issue in Sino-U.S. relations, and the most prominent risk," Chinese state media quoted Qin as having told the top U.S. diplomat (see this link for more details).
• There were some signs of a potential further thawing in tensions, with Qin accepting to visit Washington at a 'mutually suitable time'. While both sides agreed to make it easier for citizens of each country to visit, with potential for more passenger flights between both countries. Blinken's visit was the most senior US official to visit China in 5yrs.