US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi remain at odds on issues such as the South China Sea and Taiwan. Still, the US State Department says both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication.
The two officials met in Laos on Saturday on the margins of meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The State Department says Blinken raised concerns about Beijing’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, including at the Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippines has a military outpost at the shoal and delivers supplies to personnel stationed there. But Manila says in recent months Beijing has taken coercive actions against Philippine ships in nearby waters. It says Blinken affirmed US support for peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law.
China’s foreign ministry says Wang explained that Beijing had reached a deal with Manila on a temporary arrangement to manage the situation. It says he urged the US not to stir up trouble or undermine maritime stability regarding the shoal.
The Philippines announced the provisional arrangement on troop rotation and resupply missions for the shoal on July 21.
The State Department says Blinken also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Wang reportedly responded that China will counter every provocation by what he calls the “Taiwan independence” forces.
Regarding issues related to Ukraine, the State Department says Blinken reiterated “serious concern” over China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base.
It adds that Blinken was adamant that if Beijing fails to address “this threat to European security,” Washington will continue to take appropriate countermeasures.
In response, Wang reportedly said the US should stop its “unilateral” sanctions.