Blinken wants to avoid conflict between the US and China over Taiwan

The United States and China should try to prevent their differences over Taiwan from escalating into conflict, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said this Friday in the face of rising tensions over a possible visit to the island by a congressional leader.

When questioned at a press conference, Blinken declined to comment based on news that suggested a US congressional leader might visit Taiwan.

However, the American diplomat recalled that President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a lengthy telephone conversation between the two heads of state on Thursday that the United States “strongly opposes unilateral efforts” to change Taiwan’s status.