US Secretary of State Brinken is considering meeting China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, at the Munich Security Conference in Germany this week. This was confirmed by several people familiar with the matter. If done, it would be the first meeting between top diplomats since tensions rose between the two countries over a Chinese balloon suspected of being used for reconnaissance.
If the two sides agree, Brinken and Wang will meet at the same conference on March 17-19, according to people familiar with the matter. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is private.
Blinken postponed a visit to China scheduled for last week because of the balloon problem. He decided he would be sending the wrong signal if he visited China with Chinese balloons flying over the United States. The day after the postponement decision, the US shot down the balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
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Asked about a possible meeting between Blinken and Wang, a senior administration official said the United States is always considering diplomatic options but has nothing to announce. The National Security Council (NSC), the State Department and the Chinese embassy declined to comment.
Original title:US, China Diplomats Weigh First Meeting After Balloon Drama (1)
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