Hi Focus Readers,

During the latest series of high-level discussions between China and the United States, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, along with Sarah Beran, Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs at the National Security Council, engaged in talks with Yang Tao, the Director General of the North American and Oceanian Affairs Department, who was visiting at the beginning of this week. It was reported that the meeting produced constructive exchanges. Adding to the flurry of diplomatic activity, Gina Raimondo, the Commerce Secretary, is scheduled to undertake a trip to Beijing later this month.

However, amidst these recent diplomatic maneuvers, it's noteworthy that Beijing has maintained its suspension of cooperation in seven out of eight key areas it previously curtailed in response to the visit made by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. This includes military dialogues, where Beijing attributes the ongoing suspension to U.S. sanctions imposed on China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu. Additionally, Taiwan's Lai Ching-te, who is running to be the island's next leader, is planning to visit the U.S. next month, and Beijing has stepped up its warnings against the trip, saying that its "priority" is to stop it from happening.

In the meantime, catch up on our latest Focus highlights, including commentary on the recent senior-level exchanges between Beijing and Washington, bilateral competition, Southeast Asian-Chinese relations, and more.

Enjoy your weekend!

Team Focus