US and China Depict Improved Relationship Despite Differences

Strategic Insights -

US and Chinese officials met in Singapore on Sunday, portraying their troubled relationship as improved despite ongoing differences. The high-level encounter was the first since the Chinese Embassy bombing in Belgrade, and both sides announced that President Clinton would meet Chinese leader Jiang Zemin in September. The key issues discussed included Taiwan, with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright expressing concerns about Taiwan's president, Lee Teng-hui, who had renounced the "one China" policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan for two hours, describing their lunch as "very friendly."
  • Albright stated that there was "an easing of tensions" between the US and China, and that "we were able to restore a level of communication we had before" the embassy bombing.
  • Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan announced that President Clinton would meet Chinese leader Jiang Zemin in September at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
  • The Taiwanese issue was a major point of contention, with Albright criticizing Taiwan's president, Lee Teng-hui, for not sufficiently softening his language on the "one China" policy.
  • Albright and Tang agreed that Taiwan was a critical factor in improving the Beijing-Washington relationship.
  • The Clinton administration used Lee's declaration as a wedge to pressure Beijing, with President Clinton articulating the "one China" policy and delaying the scheduled visit of Pentagon officials to Taiwan.
  • China's demand for compensation for the embassy bombing was not fully addressed during the meeting, with Tang expressing "importance" but not satisfaction with Albright's explanations.

Statistics:

  • Three Chinese died in the embassy bombing caused by faulty map reading and other mistakes.
  • The bombing occurred in May during the war over Kosovo.
  • President Clinton would meet Chinese leader Jiang Zemin in September at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
  • The US has urged Taiwan's president to soften his language on the "one China" policy.

Sources:

  • Jane Perlez, New York Times News Service
  • Association of Southeast Asian Nations
  • US Central Intelligence Agency, George Tenet, director
  • US State Department, Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry, Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister
  • Taiwanese government, Lee Teng-hui, president