The statement issued by China’s foreign ministry echoed this sentiment and noted: “The two sides conducted candid, constructive and fruitful communication on promoting the improvement of Sino-US relations and properly managing and controlling differences”. The word “fruitful” merits notice.
US-China relations: despite the discord in Singapore, high-level talks in Beijing offer hope
Li went on to reiterate China’s commitment to Taiwan reunification. He said: “We will strive for the prospects of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and greatest efforts, but we make no promise to renounce the use of force. If anyone dares to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will not hesitate for a second. We will fear no opponents and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, regardless of any cost.”
Whether this intractable issue will lead to Beijing resorting to military force remains uncertain, but it is clearly not reticent about keeping that option on the table. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine ought to serve as a reminder that matters once considered unimaginable can escalate rapidly.
In relation to regional territorial disputes involving Southeast Asian states, Li said: “We are committed to promoting cooperative, collective and common security in our region on the basis of mutual respect.” Beijing’s preferred template remains a code of conduct on the South China Sea, but a consensus with the affected nations remains elusive.
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