White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby stated that senior United States officials are still expected to pay a visit to China, irrespective of "high tensions."
Kirby said Washington is working to get US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "back on the plane to Beijing" in line with his previous plans that were canceled in February following the balloon incident. He added that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo are also preparing for a trip to China to discuss economic issues, upon Beijing's invitation.
The official noted that the two countries have been able to "maintain lines of communication" in spite of the period of elevated tensions. "We'd like to see this [US-China] relationship get on to a better footing," he concluded.
