A member of the Philippine Coast Guard during a joint maritime exercise with Japan and the US this month.Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s last attempt to visit China was derailed by an alleged Chinese spy balloon. Now he’s ready to try again, departing Friday for a two-day trip aimed at stabilizing ties with the world’s second-largest economy and reducing the risk that miscommunication ignites conflict between the two superpowers.
Competition will continue to be the defining theme of the relationship, with the spy balloon drama from Blinken’s last attempt echoing ahead of his departure. This time, the accusation of a Chinese espionage base in Cuba, which Beijing denies, is keeping both sides defensive. A meeting with Xi is possible and would be significant.
Chinese media has been relatively muted ahead of the trip, contrasting with more positive signals in February. Since then relations have soured over a series of spats and accusations. More worryingly, there have been two recent dangerous military interactions, one over the South China Sea and another in the Taiwan Strait.