Sec. Blinken: ‘When There Is Growth and Progress [in China] … It’s in Our Interest’

Blinken: “On Taiwan, I reiterated the long standing U.S. One China Policy. That policy has not changed. It’s guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, Three Joint Communiqués, the Six Assurances. We do not support Taiwan independence. We remain opposed to any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side. We continue to expect the peaceful resolution of Cross-Strait differences. We remain committed to meeting our responsibilities under the Taiwan Relations Act, including making sure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself.”

XIAOWEN: “Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I’m from Phoenix TV. We know for some time now, the United States had been pushing dialogue with China. By the same time we saw the United States has included some Chinese companies to its entity list, Restricted CHIPS Act, chip exports to China and plan to limit investment in high tech sector. And China believes the United States is both seeking dialogue and the same time containing China. So I want to ask, how will you address these concerns, and to show sincerity to communicate? Thank you.”

BLINKEN: “Well, as I noted, this was actually an important part of the conversations that we had. And as I suggested to our colleague a few minutes ago, it was important to me that we make clear the very clear difference between allegations that we were — that we’re trying to contain China and decouple economically, as opposed to what we’re actually doing, which is, as I’ve said, derisking and also diversifying, when it comes to our supply chains. As I mentioned, the economic relationship with China is vitally important. And also, when it’s fair, a very positive thing for countries around the world. And at a time when countries are trying to rebound from — from Covid, something the United States has done very successfully, we want to see growth, we want to see success in every part of the world, including, of course, in the major economies like China. It’s in our interest. But at the same time, as I said, it’s not in our interest to provide technology to China that could be used against us. And at a time when it’s engaged in a buildup of its nuclear weapons program in a very opaque way. When it’s producing hypersonic missiles, when it’s using technology for repressive purposes against its own people, how is it in our interest to provide those specific technologies to China? And other countries feel the same way. So what this is about, again, is not trying to cut off, eliminate, hinder economic relations. On the contrary, we think that they should be strengthened but in a way that looks out for our workers, that looks out for our companies. And I heard many concerns about that today. But at the same time, we can, we will, and we must, take steps necessary to protect our national security. If the shoe were on the other foot, I have no doubt that China would do exactly the same thing.”