US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln and Wang Yi, a member of the Central Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, had a surprise meeting in Germany where the Munich Security Conference (MSC) was being held on the 18th (local time). Although the heads of diplomatic relations between the United States and China met for the first time since the outbreak of the Chinese reconnaissance balloon incident, it is unlikely that they will be able to go far enough to alleviate the escalating conflict between the two countries over the reconnaissance balloon response.
According to the State Department, Secretary Blincoln met with Commissioner Wang Yi on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference and conveyed the US position on the Chinese reconnaissance balloon incident, North Korea’s ICBM launch, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Secretary Blincoln said, “The State Department directly mentioned that Chinese reconnaissance balloons in US airspace committed unacceptable violations of US sovereignty and international law, and emphasized that such irresponsible acts should not happen again.” Price said in a statement. Secretary Blincoln also said, “We will not tolerate any act that violates the sovereignty of the United States, and it has been made clear that China’s high-altitude reconnaissance balloon program has been exposed to the world, including invading the airspace of more than 40 countries on five continents.” The State Department said.
In particular, Minister Blincoln condemned North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch at a meeting with Wang and emphasized the need to respond to North Korea’s provocations. Secretary Blincoln referred to North Korea’s ICBM launch that day as “the most recent and destabilizing act” and “emphasized the need for powers responsible for responding to such a significant international challenge,” the State Department said. It is interpreted as conveying China’s position that it must take an active role in deterring North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations.
Minister Blincoln also warned of the possibility of China’s military aid in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We have warned of the repercussions and consequences China will face if it provides material assistance to Russia or helps it systematically evade sanctions,” the State Department said.
The meeting between Secretary Blincoln and Commissioner Wang took place after the United States delayed Minister Blincoln’s visit to China, originally scheduled for the 5th and 6th of this month, due to the Chinese reconnaissance balloon. Both the US and China appear to be running parallel lines, repeating their existing positions on the reconnaissance balloon incident.
Previously, Commissioner Wang attended the Munich Security Conference and said regarding the US shooting down of a Chinese reconnaissance balloon, “ignoring the facts and sending fighter jets to shoot down an airship that poses no threat,” he said. This is a clear violation of international agreements.”