First high-level U.S-China meeting in Alaska begins

The first high-level U.S.-China meeting in Alaska began on a fiery start on Thursday, with an acrimonious exchange of words in a rare public display as two powers tried to score over the other. After the telephonic conversation between both the presidents, hopes were rekindled and china called for a reset in the ties. But as the summit neared, both sides began taking tough stand towards each other, downplaying the chances of real progress.

Responding to the fiery opening session on Thursday, China put the onus on US to break the diplomatic protocols and said that it accepted the talks at the request of US and that formal talks are yet to take



place. 

Reports suggest that after the opening remarks, closed-door interactions appear to have been more congenial and the talks were "substantive, serious, and direct." Both the sides outlined their interests and priorities. Another round of closed door talks will take place Friday morning US time.

 

While Beijing has made it clear it prefers a stable relationship, it differs with the US on many issues including trade tariffs, human rights issues and its relations with countries in larger Indo Pacific region where US has put up a big show of strength along with its friendly countries.