22 Apr 2024 | 03:04 PM UTC
China: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Beijing and Shanghai April 24-26
China to host US secretary of state in Beijing and Shanghai April 24-26. Heightened security, localized transport disruptions likely.
China will host US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing and Shanghai April 24-26. The US diplomat will meet with several senior Chinese officials in both cities to discuss bilateral and multilateral developments. While neither Beijing nor Washington has released details of the agenda for the visit, potential meeting venues in Beijing include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Great Hall of the People, the US Embassy, and Zhongnanhai. In Shanghai, possible gathering sites include public offices like the Municipal People's Government building, diplomatic compounds, and official meeting spaces.
Increased security is likely in both cities 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.
Heed instructions from 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.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated to embark on his second in-person visit to Beijing since assuming office, which is aimed at addressing key ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific and beyond and enhancing bilateral dialogue amid a deteriorating strategic power competition. The visit follows the US Secretary of Treasury's visit to Beijing and Guangzhou in early April.
