**US and China Avoid Confrontational Language in Alaska Meeting**
**March 19, 2021**
The United States and China have avoided using confrontational language in their first high-level meeting under the Biden administration, opting instead for a more diplomatic tone. The meeting, which took place in Anchorage, Alaska, was seen as a test of the two countries’ relationship, which has been strained in recent years by trade disputes, human rights concerns, and territorial claims in the South China Sea.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo. The two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and nuclear proliferation. They also discussed areas of potential cooperation, such as economic recovery and counterterrorism.
Both sides agreed to work together on issues of mutual interest, but they also acknowledged their differences. Blinken said that the US would continue to raise concerns about China’s human rights record and its military activities in the South China Sea. Wang said that China would not tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.
Despite the differences, the meeting was seen as a positive step forward in US-China relations. The two sides agreed to continue dialogue and to work towards building a more stable and constructive relationship.
**Key Points**
* The US and China avoided using confrontational language in their first high-level meeting under the Biden administration.
* The meeting was seen as a test of the two countries’ relationship, which has been strained in recent years.
* Both sides discussed a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and nuclear proliferation.
* The two sides agreed to work together on issues of mutual interest, but they also acknowledged their differences.
* The meeting was seen as a positive step forward in US-China relations.
**Analysis**
The Alaska meeting was a significant step in the Biden administration’s efforts to reset US-China relations. The two sides avoided using confrontational language and agreed to continue dialogue. This suggests that both sides are interested in finding ways to cooperate, even on issues where they disagree.
However, it is important to note that the meeting did not resolve any of the underlying issues between the two countries. The US and China still have very different views on a number of issues, including human rights, trade, and territorial claims. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can find ways to manage these differences in a constructive way.
**Additional Resources**
* [US-China Meeting in Alaska: Key Takeaways](https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-china-meeting-alaska-key-takeaways)
* [Biden and Xi Jinping to Hold First Virtual Summit](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/18/us/politics/biden-xi-jinping-summit.html)
* [US-China Relations: A Timeline of Key Events](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-38370735).
