What did the Chinese and US foreign ministers talk about during the 80-minute meeting?
Recently, the United States military media "Stars and Stripes" reported a striking news: Shortly after the United States Aspen Security Forum was held, the United States Marine Corps, which has long been stationed in northern Australia, received orders from their superiors to prepare to support the Philippine military's operation to supply the disputed Ren'ai Shoal at any time.
(Illustration: The Philippines replenishes the landing ship sitting on Ren'ai Jiao)
According to Sullivan, the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty will provide a firm backing for the Philippines, especially when the Philippines takes steps to resupply Second Thomas Shoal, and United States will stand firmly behind the Philippines and help it.
As for how to help?
According to the analysis of the report, the US military may use drones to replenish the Philippine shipwreck on Ren'ai Jiao, and the rotation of personnel may be completed by rubber boats.
Soon, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a resupply mission had been successfully completed that day, demonstrating the Philippines' ability to maintain its presence in the disputed area with the support of United States.
However, the response and statement of the China Coast Guard are also noteworthy – "The Chinese side has detected this action by the Philippines and has supervised the whole process." In addition, the spokesperson of the China Coast Guard also called on the Philippine side to honor its commitments and work with China to manage the maritime situation.
There are more details that the reason why the Philippines was able to complete the transportation and replenishment task has nothing to do with United States support, but simply because China and the Philippines reached a "temporary arrangement" agreement before that.
For example, the resupply operation was carried out by civilian vessels escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard, and there were no adverse incidents during the whole process.
The agreement specifically targets Philippine vessels that are illegally "beached" on Second Thomas Shoal. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that despite the violation of China's sovereignty, China has allowed the Philippine side to carry out supplies after prior notification and on-site verification based on humanitarian considerations, but explicitly prohibited the delivery of construction materials and other materials that could exacerbate the dispute.
(Photo: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken)
On the Philippine issue, the Chinese and US foreign ministers also spread out their remarks during the meeting.
Specifically, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and United States Secretary of State Antony · Blinken held talks in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, for about 80 minutes.
According to a briefing from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi clearly expressed China's position on the Ren'ai Jiao issue during the talks. He noted that China and the Philippines have reached temporary arrangements to control the situation, urging the Philippines to keep its promise to stop sending construction materials to the reef.
Immediately afterward, Wang Yi turned to United States, and had a face-to-face showdown, directly leaving Blinken with a sentence of "must not" - that is United States no more fanning the flames on the Ren'ai Jiao issue.
The outspoken remarks reflected China's firm determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and warned United States not to further inflame the situation and undermine maritime stability in the region.
As for Blinken's reaction, it looks positive, at least on the surface. He expressed his pleasure at the successful resupply operation that day and said the United States welcomed, hoped and looked forward to seeing such cooperation continue.
However, it remains to be seen whether such statements can be translated into concrete actions to reduce friction between China and the United States in the South China Sea.
(Illustration: Blinken pledged to "adhere to the one-China policy")
In addition, the Chinese and US foreign ministers also discussed topics such as the Taiwan issue and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the US side, a large part of the reason for the extension of the meeting between the Chinese and US foreign ministers is due to the Taiwan issue.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that Taiwan has been a part of China since ancient times, and no form of "Taiwan independence" separatist acts can change this fact. At the same time, China will certainly take resolute measures to counter the provocations of the "Taiwan independence" forces.
Afterwards, Blinken also promised to "adhere to the one-China policy".
Overall, despite differences between China and the United States on many issues, both sides have shown a willingness to strike balance and avoid escalation.
As Blinken concludes his meeting with Wang Yi and travels to Viet Nam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia, his afterglow may continue to stay in China.