US and China engage in 'open' talks on South China Sea and Taiwan

The US and China engaged in 'open and productive' discussions on issues including Taiwan and the South China Sea during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Laos.

The US State Department described the talks as productive, while the Chinese foreign ministry criticized the US attempt to contain China. Both sides discussed the need to manage risks and enhance military-to-military communication.

Blinken expressed concerns about China's provocative actions, including a simulated blockade around Taiwan, while Wang warned against the US 'fanning the fire and stirring up troubles'. Blinken also criticized Beijing's actions in the South China Sea but praised the recent agreement between China and the Philippines on supply missions to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The US statement on the meeting emphasized the importance of stable US-China ties and a rules-based order. The meeting between Wang and Blinken comes at a time of uncertainty in Washington's China policy due to President Joe Biden's decision not to seek re-election.

The discussions were seen as a way to address concerns and ensure stability in the bilateral relations.