ARTICLE #160
Yang Yiechi + Wang Li v Anthony Blinken + Jake Sullivan
Will they talk at each other, across each other or with each other. What is the mood? Is progress possible?
The US said will want to talk Human Rights, the Uyghurs + China’s threats to the world. China will see things quite differently + stress the need for co-operation, discussion + ongoing exchanges.
The US feels threatened. Its No 1 position in the world is about to go. It cannot accept relegation. It cannot be no 2. It is being outperformed by China.
Silicon Valley has lost its leading role. China is shipping vaccines free of charge to 53 countries ahead of vaccines for its own people – it feels that safe. China is funding two hydroelectric dams in Patagonia, a transcontinental railway between Bolivia and Peru + a new canal in Nicaragua to rival the Panama Canal. All in America’s backyard.
The US is feeling the heat. There will be no quick fixes in Alaska. China can bide its time. It is set for the future. The US, however, is uncertain re its new role.
