Blinken Speaks Following Xi Meeting

(MNI) London - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaking at a press conference in Beijing following his meetings with senior Chinese officials including President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Says that the "US is clear about the challenges posed by China", and that "the US will always defend its core interests and values." Blinken's comments treading a fine line between striking a tough stance amid US raising concerns about Chinese 'overcapacity' and support for Russia, while also saying the US is “committed to maintain and strengthen lines of communications”.

• Blinken says he "reiterated serious concerns about China providing components that are powering Russia's war in Ukraine." In Q&A Blinken says he was "extremely clear" in seeking to dissuage Sino-Russian cooperation. Says that "machine tools and microelectronics China is supplying to Russia is having a material effect in Ukraine."
• Blinken on fentanyl (a major source of US animosity towards China): "China has made important progress on fentanyl, but more needs to be done." Says he "Underscored the importance of China taking additional action in particular by prosecuting those selling chemicals and equipment used to make fentanyl."
• On the Indo-Pacific: Says they discussed "China's dangerous actions in the South China Sea", and "made clear US defence commitments to the Philippines remain ironclad."
• On Middle East tensions: "China can play a constructive role in global crises including by discouraging Iran and its proxies from expanding the Middle East conflict."