China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi expected to call for end to Trump-style policies in address to American audience
- Politburo member also likely to appeal for greater dialogue between Beijing and Washington at event hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations, observers say
- Speech will be a gesture that China wants to cooperate with the US, Chinese academic says
The event, titled “A Conversation with Politburo Member Yang Jiechi” will be hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations. Yang will be introduced by the committee’s chairman and former US treasury secretary Jacob Lew.
“If he extends a plastic olive branch of superficial and vague pleasantries, he’ll receive the same in return, while weakening the credibility of any call for renewed cooperation and genuinely tackling differences,” said Scott Kennedy, a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
“If he comes with threats and warnings, he should expect to be met with firm resolve,” he said.
“One hopes that, instead, he comes with genuine offers for renewed cooperation that address the concerns of the United States and other countries.”
