China must stop 'powering' Russia’s war in Ukraine
Anthony Zurcher
BBC North America correspondent
That was the stern warning US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered during his latest visit to China.
In remarks made to the press after meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the top American diplomat ticked through a list of components that he said China was supplying to Russia, including microelectronics, chemicals for munitions and rocket propellants, and “duel use items that Moscow is using to ramp up its defence industrial base”.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Blinken boards his plane as he prepares to return to the USImage caption: Blinken boards his plane as he prepares to return to the US
Chinese leaders have denied providing weaponry to Ukraine and, during Blinken’s trip, they gave no indication that his warning would be heeded. Blinken, for his part, did not detail any consequences, such as economic sanctions, that the US might impose if they are not.
The war in Ukraine has stretched on for more than two years, with the Russian military making territorial gains in recent months. The US Congress approved $61bn in new military aid for Ukraine earlier this week, however, which the Biden administration says will begin reaching Ukrainian forces in a matter of days.
Ukraine, Taiwan and calls for a level playing field
There was plenty on the agenda as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Chinese leader President Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing today.
Before we end our coverage, here's a look back at some of the key moments:
Blinken voiced concerns to Xi over China's support for Russia in Ukraine, telling the BBC that Washington will act if China doesn't stop supplying Russia with items used in its war
He also addressed China's involvement in the global fentanyl trade, its military operations in the South China Sea, and China's claims over the self-ruled island of Taiwan
He said the world's two largest economies had a shared responsibility to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations
On the other side, President Xi expressed his hope the US and China could be partners instead of rivals engaging in "vicious competition"
Earlier in the day China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his American counterpart the US-China relationship is beginning to stabilise but there is still a risk the two could slide into conflict
On other issues, Blinken called on Beijing to provide a level playing field for US businesses
During a press conference, Blinken also urged China to help discourage Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East
Thanks for joining us. You can read more on the talks here.
And to play us out, we'll have some analysis from our North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.
Blinken tells BBC China is fuelling Russian war in Ukraine
Laura Bicker
China correspondent
BBC/Wang XiqingCopyright: BBC/Wang Xiqing
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Washington will act if China does not stop supplying Russia with items used in its assault on Ukraine.
Speaking to the BBC in Beijing, the US's top diplomat said he had made clear to his counterparts they were "helping fuel the biggest threat" to European security since the Cold War.
He did not say what measures the US was prepared to take.
But Blinken was also keen to stress progress had been made in some areas.
Rana Mitter, professor of US-Asia relations at the Harvard Kennedy School, has been speaking to our colleagues on BBC Radio 4's World at One about the Blinken talks in Beijing.
He says they reveal that China and the US believe the "temperature" of their relations needs to be low, and neither side has a interest in open conflict over issues like Taiwanese sovereignty.
The US is already "heavily engaged" by conflicts involving allies in Ukraine and the Middle East, and "the last thing" it needs is a war in east Asia.
"The Chinese side also has an incentive to speak loud but not necessarily act," says Mitter.
"China's economy is going through a really dark phase," he adds, with youth unemployment very high, consumer spending dropping, and a property marketing falling in recent years.
"While getting growth is never easy... getting involved in a war or a confrontation in east Asia is the surest path to destroying the economy," he adds.
China rejects 'unwarranted' US claim about Russia war support
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of people on both sides, most of them soldiers, have been killed or injuredImage caption: Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of people on both sides, most of them soldiers, have been killed or injured
China's foreign ministry has hit back at Antony Blinken's suggestion that China is aiding Russia's war in Ukraine.
Earlier, the top US diplomat said China was continuing to supply microchips and mechanical components that could be used for military purposes.
Now, ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin says this is "an unwarranted accusation against normal economic and trade exchanges," according to Chinese state-run news outlet Global Times.
"We urged the US side not to try to shift blame to China," he adds. "[The US] should make concrete effort for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".
Wang also hits out at a similar suggestion made by Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who claimed that "over 60% of weapon parts and dual-use items that Russia imported come from the US and the West".
Wang says that Nato bears "an unshirkable responsibility" in the Ukraine conflict, and the military alliance should "reflect upon its role".
In pictures: Top diplomats meet in Beijing
As we've been reporting, during wide-ranging talks the two sides addressed US demands that China curb the global trade in fentanyl and rising tensions over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
Here are some of the pictures charting today's meetings in Beijing:
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Antony Blinken attends a meeting with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in BeijingImage caption: Antony Blinken attends a meeting with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the question of self-ruled Taiwan was the "first red line" that must not be crossed in China-US relationsImage caption: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the question of self-ruled Taiwan was the "first red line" that must not be crossed in China-US relations
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
President Xi told Blinken the two countries should be partners rather than rivals at the start of talks in BeijingImage caption: President Xi told Blinken the two countries should be partners rather than rivals at the start of talks in Beijing
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
During a press conference, the top US diplomat said he voiced clear concerns to President Xi about China's support for Russia in its war on UkraineImage caption: During a press conference, the top US diplomat said he voiced clear concerns to President Xi about China's support for Russia in its war on Ukraine
The Ukraine war is a nightmare scenario for China
Celia Hatton
BBC Asia Pacific Regional Editor
Antony Blinken reserved his strongest language for China in
its alleged dealings with Russia – castigating Beijing for reportedly allowing
the war on Ukraine to continue through its economic support.
Such a blatant dressing-down, in the Chinese capital,
reveals China’s apparent failure to chart a careful path between its key
interests.
The war in Ukraine presents a nightmare scenario for China – a war
that positions one of its top allies, Russia, against its top economic
partners, the United States and the EU.
To balance this, China has attempted to position itself as a
potential mediator in the Ukraine war.
So far, it’s held back from offering
Russia its full military support. However, it’s also filling Moscow’s bank
account by gorging on Russian oil.
And, as Blinken says, Beijing is also
supplying dual-use items that are being used to churn out Russian rockets,
drones, tanks and other weapons.
Blinken chose to appeal to Xi Jinping’s interest in
acting as an international statesman.
Blinken was careful to praise
Beijing’s diplomatic successes – noting that he believed China pulled Russia
back from the brink last year when Moscow had repeatedly threatened to use
nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
The US is now calling on Beijing, and Xi,
to step into that role again.
Competition should be about common progress - Xi
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Chinese national broadcaster CCTV has published more comments that President Xi Jinping reportedly gave to Blinken during their meeting today in Beijing.
According to CCTV, Xi said that China was "not afraid of competition, but competition should be about common progress, not a zero-sum game".
He said that his country was "happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and developing United States, and hopes that the United States will also take a positive view of China's development".
He added that both powers should "take responsibility for world peace, create opportunities for development for all countries, provide public goods for the world, and play a positive role in world unity".
Recap of key moments: China's diplomatic influence and a level economic playing field
A fairly lengthy press conference there from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
If you're just joining us, here's a recap the key points:
In his talks with Chinese officials earlier today, Blinken said he raised concerns about their support for Russia in its war with Ukraine
He also spoke to Chinese officials about "dangerous actions" in the South China Sea - noting tensions in the Taiwanese strait in recent months
A potential TikTok ban did not come up in conversations between US and Chinese officials, he added
China has a key role in exerting diplomatic influence to stop the Gaza conflict spreading into the wider Middle East region, Blinken said
He also spoke of wanting China to discourage Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East
Blinken expressed desire for China and the US to have a strong economic partnership - but warned: "This has to be on a level playing field"
He spoke after China's leader said Beijing and Washington should not be rivals, but partners
Blinken addresses protests over Gaza war
EPACopyright: EPA
Students demonstrate at George Washington UniversityImage caption: Students demonstrate at George Washington University
Before wrapping up this press conference, Blinken is asked about China's role in helping calm tensions in the conflict in Gaza.
Blinken says he has spoken to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about the war "several times", adding he believes this is an area where China can exert influence to stop the conflict spreading in the region.
Then, talking about Gaza protests in the US, he says it is not his practice to comment on domestic matters, but says people have "strong, passionate feelings" about what is happening in Gaza and the Middle East.
Blinken says he understands these views, noting the deaths of women and children, and describes it as "gut-wrenching".
It is a "hallmark of our democracy" that Americans make their views and anger known, Blinken says as he reiterates they want this conflict to end.
Blinken concludes by saying it is "notable there is silence about Hamas, as if not part of the story".
China and US must continue to communicate differences - Blinken
Next, Blinken says the US and China have seen "important progress" since the meeting between President Biden and President Xi in California last year.
"That is my focus," Blinken says.
He adds they must to continue to "communicate clearly about our differences", noting it being important to "minimise the risk of miscalculation and misunderstandings".
Blinken says he did so on this visit and vows he and the US government will continue to do so going forward.
Blinken says he challenged Xi on China's support for Russia
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Beijing last yearImage caption: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Beijing last year
Next, Blinken is asked about China's support for Russia's defensive industrial bases.
"I was extremely clear about our concerns," Blinken says.
But Blinken praises China for calming tensions at points.
He says China's voice "was important" in moving Russia away from nuclear action earlier in the conflict.
Blinken says TikTok did not come up in Xi talks
The first question for Blinken is about TikTok, with one reporter asking if the video sharing platform came up in conversations with China's President Xi.
Blinken says: "No, TikTok did not come up."
He then turns to talk about the economic relationship between the two nations - noting China is the US' third largest trading partner.
Blinken vows US interest in trading in this market "remains strong" - but he re-emphasises a point in his address that it needs to be on "a level playing field".
He doesn't want tariffs to be unfair and undermine US businesses, as he notes overcapacity is "front and centre of discussions".
On Middle East, Blinken says China must discourage Iran
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Finally, before taking some questions, Blinken says he urged China to discourage Iran and others from escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Going forward, Blinken says the US will continue "high-level discussions" on these diplomatic issues with China.
Blinken pushes China on 'dangerous actions' in South China Sea
Turning to diplomatic issues, Blinken says he has spoken to the Chinese government about "dangerous actions" in the South China Sea - noting tensions in the Taiwanese strait.
So many nations have expressed concerns over such manoeuvres, Blinken tells the press conference.
Blinken reaffirms Washington's One China policy - maintaining peace and security.
He goes on to say that he raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, and human rights abuses in Tibet, and about a number of individual human rights cases.
He also addressed press freedoms, and said he encouraged China to provide equal access to news organisations.
US and China production must be on level playing field - Blinken
Blinken goes on to describe China's production levels as "a movie we have seen before".
He says President Biden will not let American jobs be lost as he says he wants the US to compete on a level playing field.
"We want China's economy to grow, but the way China grows matters," Blinken says.
He adds this means "fostering a healthy relationship where Americans are treated equally and fairly".
Blinken says he challenged China's Xi on Russia war support
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Speaking from Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that while the US seeks to improve ties with China, it is clear-eyed about the challenges posed by the country, "and our differing vision for the future".
He says he has raised concerns with China about support for Russia, telling a news conference that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine depended on Beijing's support.
"Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's support," Blinken told reporters.
He says he reiterated concerns about China's continued supply of machine tools, microchips and other components to Russia, which he said were being used by Russian against Ukraine.
US and China to hold first talks on artificial intelligence, says Blinken
Blinken says that in the coming weeks, the US and China will share their views on the risks of artificial intelligence (AI).
He then notes that the US wants to grow ties between Washington and Beijing - particularly on international exchanges.
Blinken says these schemes "have long enriched both China and America".
He adds around 900 Americans are in China on these schemes compared to 15,000 a decade ago.
President Xi "wants to increase this number", Blinken says.
China has made progress on fentanyl but more needs to be done - Blinken
More from Blinken, who reflects on his meeting with President Xi and other Chinese officials during his three-day trip to China.
He says he has returned to the country - his second trip this year - to take stock of where progress has been made and how the US government can deliver further for American people.
Since the summit, Blinken says there has been progress on fentanyl and other drugs, but he adds that more needs to be done.
He calls on China to step up prosecutions over the painkiller behind a deadly US addiction epidemic, saying:
Quote Message: I underscored the importance of the PRC [People's Republic of China]taking additional action, in particular by prosecuting those who are selling chemicals and equipment used to make fentanyl."
I underscored the importance of the PRC [People's Republic of China]taking additional action, in particular by prosecuting those who are selling chemicals and equipment used to make fentanyl."
'I'm in China to take stock of progress'
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken begins by recalling a similar meeting with President Xi 10 months ago, during a time of "profound tension" which lay the foundation for a productive summit with US President Biden which agreed on concrete next steps.
He said he's returned to China to take stock of progress with relations between the US and China, and to decide on "what else needs to be done".
Live Reporting
Edited by Emily Atkinson
All times stated are UK
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Blinken boards his plane as he prepares to return to the USImage caption: Blinken boards his plane as he prepares to return to the US -
Blinken voiced concerns to Xi over China's support for Russia in Ukraine, telling the BBC that Washington will act if China doesn't stop supplying Russia with items used in its war
-
He also addressed China's involvement in the global fentanyl trade, its military operations in the South China Sea, and China's claims over the self-ruled island of Taiwan
-
He said the world's two largest economies had a shared responsibility to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations
-
On the other side, President Xi expressed his hope the US and China could be partners instead of rivals engaging in "vicious competition"
-
Earlier in the day China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his American counterpart the US-China relationship is beginning to stabilise but there is still a risk the two could slide into conflict
-
On other issues, Blinken called on Beijing to provide a level playing field for US businesses
-
During a press conference, Blinken also urged China to help discourage Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East
BBC/Wang XiqingCopyright: BBC/Wang Xiqing 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of people on both sides, most of them soldiers, have been killed or injuredImage caption: Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of people on both sides, most of them soldiers, have been killed or injured 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Antony Blinken attends a meeting with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in BeijingImage caption: Antony Blinken attends a meeting with China's Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the question of self-ruled Taiwan was the "first red line" that must not be crossed in China-US relationsImage caption: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the question of self-ruled Taiwan was the "first red line" that must not be crossed in China-US relations 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters President Xi told Blinken the two countries should be partners rather than rivals at the start of talks in BeijingImage caption: President Xi told Blinken the two countries should be partners rather than rivals at the start of talks in Beijing 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters During a press conference, the top US diplomat said he voiced clear concerns to President Xi about China's support for Russia in its war on UkraineImage caption: During a press conference, the top US diplomat said he voiced clear concerns to President Xi about China's support for Russia in its war on Ukraine 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters -
In his talks with Chinese officials earlier today, Blinken said he raised concerns about their support for Russia in its war with Ukraine
-
He also spoke to Chinese officials about "dangerous actions" in the South China Sea - noting tensions in the Taiwanese strait in recent months
-
A potential TikTok ban did not come up in conversations between US and Chinese officials, he added
-
China has a key role in exerting diplomatic influence to stop the Gaza conflict spreading into the wider Middle East region, Blinken said
-
He also spoke of wanting China to discourage Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East
-
Blinken expressed desire for China and the US to have a strong economic partnership - but warned: "This has to be on a level playing field"
-
He spoke after China's leader said Beijing and Washington should not be rivals, but partners
EPACopyright: EPA Students demonstrate at George Washington UniversityImage caption: Students demonstrate at George Washington University 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Beijing last yearImage caption: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Beijing last year 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters 
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Latest PostChina must stop 'powering' Russia’s war in Ukraine
Anthony Zurcher
BBC North America correspondent
That was the stern warning US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered during his latest visit to China.
In remarks made to the press after meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the top American diplomat ticked through a list of components that he said China was supplying to Russia, including microelectronics, chemicals for munitions and rocket propellants, and “duel use items that Moscow is using to ramp up its defence industrial base”.
Chinese leaders have denied providing weaponry to Ukraine and, during Blinken’s trip, they gave no indication that his warning would be heeded. Blinken, for his part, did not detail any consequences, such as economic sanctions, that the US might impose if they are not.
The war in Ukraine has stretched on for more than two years, with the Russian military making territorial gains in recent months. The US Congress approved $61bn in new military aid for Ukraine earlier this week, however, which the Biden administration says will begin reaching Ukrainian forces in a matter of days.
Ukraine, Taiwan and calls for a level playing field
There was plenty on the agenda as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Chinese leader President Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing today.
Before we end our coverage, here's a look back at some of the key moments:
Thanks for joining us. You can read more on the talks here.
And to play us out, we'll have some analysis from our North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.
Blinken tells BBC China is fuelling Russian war in Ukraine
Laura Bicker
China correspondent
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Washington will act if China does not stop supplying Russia with items used in its assault on Ukraine.
Speaking to the BBC in Beijing, the US's top diplomat said he had made clear to his counterparts they were "helping fuel the biggest threat" to European security since the Cold War.
He did not say what measures the US was prepared to take.
But Blinken was also keen to stress progress had been made in some areas.
Read more here.
US and China 'don't have an interest in conflict'
Rana Mitter, professor of US-Asia relations at the Harvard Kennedy School, has been speaking to our colleagues on BBC Radio 4's World at One about the Blinken talks in Beijing.
He says they reveal that China and the US believe the "temperature" of their relations needs to be low, and neither side has a interest in open conflict over issues like Taiwanese sovereignty.
The US is already "heavily engaged" by conflicts involving allies in Ukraine and the Middle East, and "the last thing" it needs is a war in east Asia.
"The Chinese side also has an incentive to speak loud but not necessarily act," says Mitter.
"China's economy is going through a really dark phase," he adds, with youth unemployment very high, consumer spending dropping, and a property marketing falling in recent years.
"While getting growth is never easy... getting involved in a war or a confrontation in east Asia is the surest path to destroying the economy," he adds.
China rejects 'unwarranted' US claim about Russia war support
China's foreign ministry has hit back at Antony Blinken's suggestion that China is aiding Russia's war in Ukraine.
Earlier, the top US diplomat said China was continuing to supply microchips and mechanical components that could be used for military purposes.
Now, ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin says this is "an unwarranted accusation against normal economic and trade exchanges," according to Chinese state-run news outlet Global Times.
"We urged the US side not to try to shift blame to China," he adds. "[The US] should make concrete effort for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".
Wang also hits out at a similar suggestion made by Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who claimed that "over 60% of weapon parts and dual-use items that Russia imported come from the US and the West".
Wang says that Nato bears "an unshirkable responsibility" in the Ukraine conflict, and the military alliance should "reflect upon its role".
In pictures: Top diplomats meet in Beijing
As we've been reporting, during wide-ranging talks the two sides addressed US demands that China curb the global trade in fentanyl and rising tensions over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
Here are some of the pictures charting today's meetings in Beijing:
The Ukraine war is a nightmare scenario for China
Celia Hatton
BBC Asia Pacific Regional Editor
Antony Blinken reserved his strongest language for China in its alleged dealings with Russia – castigating Beijing for reportedly allowing the war on Ukraine to continue through its economic support.
Such a blatant dressing-down, in the Chinese capital, reveals China’s apparent failure to chart a careful path between its key interests.
The war in Ukraine presents a nightmare scenario for China – a war that positions one of its top allies, Russia, against its top economic partners, the United States and the EU.
To balance this, China has attempted to position itself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine war.
So far, it’s held back from offering Russia its full military support. However, it’s also filling Moscow’s bank account by gorging on Russian oil.
And, as Blinken says, Beijing is also supplying dual-use items that are being used to churn out Russian rockets, drones, tanks and other weapons.
Blinken chose to appeal to Xi Jinping’s interest in acting as an international statesman.
Blinken was careful to praise Beijing’s diplomatic successes – noting that he believed China pulled Russia back from the brink last year when Moscow had repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
The US is now calling on Beijing, and Xi, to step into that role again.
Competition should be about common progress - Xi
Chinese national broadcaster CCTV has published more comments that President Xi Jinping reportedly gave to Blinken during their meeting today in Beijing.
According to CCTV, Xi said that China was "not afraid of competition, but competition should be about common progress, not a zero-sum game".
He said that his country was "happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and developing United States, and hopes that the United States will also take a positive view of China's development".
He added that both powers should "take responsibility for world peace, create opportunities for development for all countries, provide public goods for the world, and play a positive role in world unity".
Recap of key moments: China's diplomatic influence and a level economic playing field
A fairly lengthy press conference there from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
If you're just joining us, here's a recap the key points:
Blinken addresses protests over Gaza war
Before wrapping up this press conference, Blinken is asked about China's role in helping calm tensions in the conflict in Gaza.
Blinken says he has spoken to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about the war "several times", adding he believes this is an area where China can exert influence to stop the conflict spreading in the region.
Then, talking about Gaza protests in the US, he says it is not his practice to comment on domestic matters, but says people have "strong, passionate feelings" about what is happening in Gaza and the Middle East.
Blinken says he understands these views, noting the deaths of women and children, and describes it as "gut-wrenching".
It is a "hallmark of our democracy" that Americans make their views and anger known, Blinken says as he reiterates they want this conflict to end.
Blinken concludes by saying it is "notable there is silence about Hamas, as if not part of the story".
China and US must continue to communicate differences - Blinken
Next, Blinken says the US and China have seen "important progress" since the meeting between President Biden and President Xi in California last year.
"That is my focus," Blinken says.
He adds they must to continue to "communicate clearly about our differences", noting it being important to "minimise the risk of miscalculation and misunderstandings".
Blinken says he did so on this visit and vows he and the US government will continue to do so going forward.
Blinken says he challenged Xi on China's support for Russia
Next, Blinken is asked about China's support for Russia's defensive industrial bases.
"I was extremely clear about our concerns," Blinken says.
But Blinken praises China for calming tensions at points.
He says China's voice "was important" in moving Russia away from nuclear action earlier in the conflict.
Blinken says TikTok did not come up in Xi talks
The first question for Blinken is about TikTok, with one reporter asking if the video sharing platform came up in conversations with China's President Xi.
Blinken says: "No, TikTok did not come up."
He then turns to talk about the economic relationship between the two nations - noting China is the US' third largest trading partner.
Blinken vows US interest in trading in this market "remains strong" - but he re-emphasises a point in his address that it needs to be on "a level playing field".
He doesn't want tariffs to be unfair and undermine US businesses, as he notes overcapacity is "front and centre of discussions".
On Middle East, Blinken says China must discourage Iran
Finally, before taking some questions, Blinken says he urged China to discourage Iran and others from escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Going forward, Blinken says the US will continue "high-level discussions" on these diplomatic issues with China.
Blinken pushes China on 'dangerous actions' in South China Sea
Turning to diplomatic issues, Blinken says he has spoken to the Chinese government about "dangerous actions" in the South China Sea - noting tensions in the Taiwanese strait.
So many nations have expressed concerns over such manoeuvres, Blinken tells the press conference.
He says US will work to "de-escalate tensions".
These include defence commitments to the Philippines remaining "iron-cald".
Blinken reaffirms Washington's One China policy - maintaining peace and security.
He goes on to say that he raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, and human rights abuses in Tibet, and about a number of individual human rights cases.
He also addressed press freedoms, and said he encouraged China to provide equal access to news organisations.
US and China production must be on level playing field - Blinken
Blinken goes on to describe China's production levels as "a movie we have seen before".
He says President Biden will not let American jobs be lost as he says he wants the US to compete on a level playing field.
"We want China's economy to grow, but the way China grows matters," Blinken says.
He adds this means "fostering a healthy relationship where Americans are treated equally and fairly".
Blinken says he challenged China's Xi on Russia war support
Speaking from Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that while the US seeks to improve ties with China, it is clear-eyed about the challenges posed by the country, "and our differing vision for the future".
He says he has raised concerns with China about support for Russia, telling a news conference that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine depended on Beijing's support.
"Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's support," Blinken told reporters.
He says he reiterated concerns about China's continued supply of machine tools, microchips and other components to Russia, which he said were being used by Russian against Ukraine.
US and China to hold first talks on artificial intelligence, says Blinken
Blinken says that in the coming weeks, the US and China will share their views on the risks of artificial intelligence (AI).
He then notes that the US wants to grow ties between Washington and Beijing - particularly on international exchanges.
Blinken says these schemes "have long enriched both China and America".
He adds around 900 Americans are in China on these schemes compared to 15,000 a decade ago.
President Xi "wants to increase this number", Blinken says.
China has made progress on fentanyl but more needs to be done - Blinken
More from Blinken, who reflects on his meeting with President Xi and other Chinese officials during his three-day trip to China.
He says he has returned to the country - his second trip this year - to take stock of where progress has been made and how the US government can deliver further for American people.
Since the summit, Blinken says there has been progress on fentanyl and other drugs, but he adds that more needs to be done.
He calls on China to step up prosecutions over the painkiller behind a deadly US addiction epidemic, saying:
'I'm in China to take stock of progress'
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken begins by recalling a similar meeting with President Xi 10 months ago, during a time of "profound tension" which lay the foundation for a productive summit with US President Biden which agreed on concrete next steps.
He said he's returned to China to take stock of progress with relations between the US and China, and to decide on "what else needs to be done".