Change of momentum in China-US relationship? Don’t bet on it

AFTER three years of embracing a tough diplomatic approach in dealing with China, there are signs that US President Joe Biden may be attempting to reduce tensions with Beijing through high-level bilateral dialogue between the world’s two major superpowers.

Earlier in July, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen held talks with top economic officials in Beijing. This was after earlier trips by the director of the CIA and the Secretary of State, and is being followed by a visit by the Biden Administration’s special climate envoy John Kerry.

This activist US diplomacy could help to create direct communication channels between officials from both sides, which could then help to defuse potential crises.