US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Beijing for two days of meetings with senior Chinese officials. He is the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit China since ties between the two countries took a downturn earlier this year.

Blinken arrived in Beijing on Sunday morning. Details of his schedule have not been revealed, but he is expected to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang later in the day.

Items expected to be discussed include bilateral ties, Taiwan, and the conflict in Ukraine.

Ahead of his departure, Blinken said the US government wants to establish open and empowered communications with China.
Washington wants to promote dialogue at various levels to prevent unintended events from developing into conflicts.

Observers say China is expected to reiterate its basic stance that Taiwan is a part of its territory. Beijing is alarmed by Washington's deeper engagement in Taiwan despite its pledge to maintain the One-China policy.

Blinken was initially set to travel to China in February, but that trip was postponed after an alleged Chinese spy balloon flew over US territory.

He is also expected to meet with Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi. It is believed that arrangements are underway for Blinken to meet with President Xi Jinping.