At a time when Sino-US tensions continue to escalate, Raimondo's visit to China is expected to be a key signal for the thaw in Sino-US relations. At present, the visit to China has passed halfway, and Raimondo has put forward many requests, but the Chinese side has not accepted them. Seeing that Raimondo could not get it done, the United States began to adjust its team towards China, and in the future, it will change people to talk with China.
【Raimondo meets Wang Wentao】
China has not agreed to any of the demands put forward by the United States
After arriving in Beijing, Raimondo got off the plane and held the hand of the Chinese representative and chatted for two minutes, and his willingness to talk was very eager. After all, US Secretary of State Blinken and US Treasury Secretary Yellen's previous visits to China can be said to have returned empty-handed, so Raimondo this time, it can be said that he was "ordered between dangers", and the burden on his shoulders is still very heavy.
However, judging from the content of the talks on the first day, the United States did not show the sincerity it should have. Raimondo was the first to meet with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, and the conversation lasted four and a half hours. During the period, China mainly expressed concern about the Section 301 tariffs imposed by the United States on China, semiconductor policies, investment restrictions, sanctions and discrimination against Chinese enterprises.
On the other hand, Raimondo mainly mentioned Micron, which was previously banned by China, and China's export controls on gallium and germanium, aiming to ensure that American companies can be treated fairly. She also said she was reluctant to hear from U.S. companies that China was becoming increasingly unsuitable for investment.
It can be seen from this that Raimondo did not come for the purpose of solving the problem this time, but to explain to China that the purpose of the United States in doing so is to avoid miscalculation. But the focus remains on the hope that China will not misunderstand the dimensions of U.S. policies, rather than reflect on the irrationality of those policies.
[Mark Lambert appointed top China policy official]
In addition, Raimondo also reiterated that the United States has no room for compromise and negotiation on national security issues, and wants to "set rules" for China. It can also be inferred that the United States will not compromise on relevant policies. For Raimondo's toughness, China will naturally not relent, but in the attitude of seeking common ground while reserving differences, it still said that it will continue to find common ground.
The implication is that it will not agree to the United States' request, but is willing to keep communicating. To put it bluntly, it means more communication and more meetings, and nothing else has achieved any real results. The reason is still because of the arrogant attitude of the United States towards China, no matter how many high-ranking officials are sent over, it is useless.
How to handle relations with China, the United States has changed people
Just after the Sino-US talks, the US State Department also ushered in a personnel adjustment, ready to appoint Lambert, who has rich diplomatic experience, as the top official of China policy, specifically responsible for formulating a series of US policies towards Chinese mainland and Taiwan, replacing the vacancy left by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hua Ziqiang two months ago.
Lambot previously served twice at the U.S. Embassy in China, where he was primarily responsible for Japan, South Korea and Mongolia. Last year, under the chairmanship of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a China Coordination Group, also known as the "China Group," was previously led by Hua Ziqiang, and now this position is also expected to be taken over by Lambert.
It is worth mentioning that since the beginning of this year, the US State Department officials in charge of China affairs have resigned one after another, including Sherman, who previously played an important role between China and the United States, and also resigned as Deputy Secretary of State three months ago, making Blinken a light pole commander. Such frequent changes also show that the Biden administration is facing a test in handling relations with China.
【"China Group" ribbon-cutting ceremony】
At present, the U.S.-China relationship is currently in a complex and sensitive stage, with competition and differences between the two sides in many fields, and the need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation. The US government chose this time to appoint Lambert as the top official in China policy, sending a signal that there is still a "tough battle" to be fought between China and the United States, so this position can no longer be vacant.
Lambot himself has some knowledge and understanding of China, so he may adopt a more pragmatic and balanced approach to China policy, rather than being completely tough or moderate. However, this does not mean that he will give up American competition and pressure on China. He once said that the United States will strengthen coordination with Japan, South Korea, Australia and other countries to maintain regional stability and security.
Therefore, from the current situation, Lambert's appointment may not change the tone of the US government's policy towards China, and will still be characterized by "fierce competition". It is also likely to continue to promote U.S. cooperation with its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region to address China's influence and challenges. However, China's attitude is also very clear, no matter who you change, even if you want to change the president, you must first show sincerity and then bargain with China.