The face to face between Joe Biden’s United States and China, at the Anchorage summit in Alaska, was very hard. With a surprise debut that revealed the uncertain strategic match between the two countries: the few minutes set for a routine photo degenerated into an hour of extraordinary attacks and counterattacks in the spotlight.
Exchanges of accusations during the photo-op
The American delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken – denouncing repression in Hong Kong, genocide of the Uighurs, economic coercion, cyberattacks and threats in Taiwan – accused Beijing of jeopardizing the global order, founded on respect for the rules and “guarantor of stability “. The counterpart’s reply is peremptory: Washington has a cold war mentality, espouses hegemonic practices and incites other countries to attack China. Not only that: its democracy is also discredited in the eyes of many Americans, eroded by racism and “massacres” of African Americans. “Neither the United States nor the Western world represent international public opinion,” said Chinese diplomacy chief Yang Jiechi.
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Diplomacy behind closed doors
The subsequent closed-door talks, over two days and ended yesterday, would have taken place in a more relaxed atmosphere. “Constructive, serious, frank,” assured a close associate of the White House. But they couldn’t hide the new tug-of-war. A clash, they observed in the corridors of Washington, which was noted above all for the determination of Beijing: it ignored a tradition that in the past has seen it adopt more detached attitudes in public.
Summit closed between “fundamental disagreements”
Blinken confirmed the deadlock at the top filed. “The two governments are fundamentally at odds” on numerous issues, from Hong Kong to cybersecurity. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, at his side, added “We arrived at the meeting without illusions and we leave without illusions, we return to Washington and we will examine what to do”. Yang in turn noted “important disagreements” and said that China “will defend its national sovereignty, security and development interests. Our strengthening is unstoppable ”. Opportunities to verify the bilateral temperature and if there will be others and soon, starting with virtual meetings on climate change next week where Biden’s special envoy, John Kerry, and the Chinese one, Xie Zhenhua will be present.
Tesla in the Chinese viewfinder
The spiral of tensions was confirmed by further tears. China, the Wall Street Journal revealed, has imposed restrictions on the use of Tesla electric vehicles among employees of government-controlled companies and among the military. Hi-tech cars would represent, with their data collection, a national security threat. Those employed in some government agencies are prohibited from driving a Tesla to work; and cars are banned from the residential complexes of the personnel of sensitive sectors and entities.