12 Jun 2023 | 01:36 PM UTC
China: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Beijing June 18
China to host US secretary of state in Beijing June 18. Heightened security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
China will host US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing June 18. It is unclear how long will Blinken stay. The US diplomat will likely meet with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and President Xi Jinping. While neither Beijing nor Washington has released details of the agenda for the visit, potential meeting venues include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Great Hall of the People, the US Embassy, and Zhongnanhai. The trip was initially scheduled for February but was postponed following a diplomatic incident.
Increased security is likely in Beijing, especially near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stops on Blinken's itinerary. Authorities will probably erect checkpoints and block roads to facilitate Blinken's movements, leading to localized traffic disruptions. Authorities could temporarily close airspace around Beijing as Secretary Blinken arrives and departs the city; flight delays are possible at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Advice
Heed all instructions of local authorities. Plan for localized traffic disruptions and flight delays. Seek alternative routes to avoid potential venues for high-level meetings. Allow additional time to reach destinations.
