SHANGHAI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened his first full day of meetings in China on Thursday by talking with local government officials in Shanghai. Blinken discussed local and regional issues with Chen Jining, the Chinese Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai. He also planned to speak to students and business leaders before flying to Beijing for what are expected to be contentious talks with national officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday shortly before President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid package that has several elements likely to anger the Chinese, including $8 billion to counter China’s growing aggressiveness toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea. It also seeks to force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform. |
Sam TaylorKroger, Albertsons — still hoping to merge — agree to sell more stores to satisfy regulatorsDriver arrested for drug driving after plowing through classroom wall in LiverpoolDavid Beckham's best pal Dave Gardner reveals guests at Victoria's starNottingham Forest cries foul play in inflammatory socialExpress files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, announces store closures, possible saleU.S. veto pushes situation in Gaza into more dangerous one: spokespersonThis week: economic growth, unemployment, inflation updateCruz Beckham's VERY sweet tribute to mum Victoria at her starNicola Peltz breaks her social media silence after missing out on mother