Key Highlights :
     In a scathing commentary, a Chinese state-backed newspaper has criticised the visit of a senior US official, saying it was motivated more by Washington's goal to portray itself as the side seeking communication. The United States has been trying to create an image as a responsible country by delivering a "goodwill message" to the outside world that it has been seeking communication with China, the Global Times wrote late on Sunday, citing Chinese experts.
     The criticism came as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink arrived in Beijing for a visit the State Department said will see discussions on "key issues in the bilateral relationship" of the two superpowers. Sino-US relations have sunk to new lows since State Secretary Antony Blinken scrapped a planned trip to China in February after an alleged Chinese spy balloon flew through US airspace. Tensions have further worsened as both sides clashed over matters ranging from democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own, to military activities in the South China Sea.
     Speaking at a security summit in Singapore over the weekend, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Beijing's reluctance to talk undermined efforts to maintain peace in the region. China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu – under US sanctions since 2018 over the purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia – had declined an invitation to meet Austin at the summit.
     The Global Times reported that some experts have great doubts as to whether the US side can inject some positive energy into bilateral relations ahead of the next US presidential elections. "The US has been seeking dialogue while continuing to be provocative," it reported, quoting an expert at a Chinese state think tank. "We haven't seen any positive statements from the US concerning the core interests or bilateral relations."
     As for Kritenbrink's visit, he is not expected to give "any breakthrough performance", and his trip should only be seen as an engagement at the working level, according to the newspaper. It is clear that the US is seeking to create an image of itself as a responsible country by seeking communication with China, and this visit is likely to be used to further that goal. Whether or not it will be successful remains to be seen.
     Despite the tensions between the two countries, it is important for them to find ways to communicate and work together in order to create a more peaceful and prosperous world. The US and China have a responsibility to their citizens and the international community to find ways to reduce tensions and build bridges of understanding.
     Only by engaging in meaningful dialogue and finding ways to work together can the US and China create a more stable and secure future. It is up to both countries to take the initiative and find ways to create a better future for all.