US top diplomat for East Asia to visit China amid tensions in South China Sea
Apr 14, 2024
Washington, DC [US], April 14 : US Assistant State Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink is set to begin his visit to China today (Sunday) to meet Chinese officials as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries.
The US official, Kritenbrink, will be on his visit to China from April 14 to 16.
"Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink will travel to the People's Republic of China on April 14-16," the US State Department said in an official release.
Kritenbrink will be joined by National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran, and the two will meet with the Chinese officials.
"Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink will be joined by National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran. The two will meet with PRC officials as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and to responsibly manage competition," the statement added.
As reported on Saturday, amid growing tensions in the South China Sea between Beijing and Manila, the presidents of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines formed an unprecedented level of collaboration to counter China, according to Al Jazeera.
While US President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have stressed the security aspects of their cooperation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has highlighted its potential economic rewards, touting the partnership with promised investments of some USD 100bn as a friendship with benefits.
Last week, US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping held a telephonic conversation, the White House confirmed.
This comes amid increasing tensions between the two countries on a range of thorny issues, from trade to tech to investment.
According to the White House statement, the two leaders held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, including areas of cooperation and areas of difference.
President Biden further emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
