To say that Joe Biden's State Department from Hell is overextended is an euphemism.
Wars in the Middle East, in Ukraine, threats from North Korea and Iran… not to mention China's dissatisfaction with the Taiwan elections.
Besides all these emergencies, there are also the “normal” activities that punctuate the diplomatic calendar of summits and meetings.
The Americans are striving to keep up with Chinese competitors. Beyond the political confrontation and military hostility, a dizzy Blinken now needs to confront a “charm attack” from Beijing during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Politico reported:
US diplomats were so concerned about the size and intentions of the Chinese delegation in Switzerland this week that they are trying to arrange a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken with a Swiss official while he is in the country for the World Economic Forum. “
It would be very bad if Switzerland did not feel appreciated by the US delegation, at a time when China is doing its best to get closer to them.
The Chinese delegation is also scheduled to visit the Swiss capital, Bern.
Blinken will be in Davos on Tuesday and Wednesday only, holding several meetings and giving a public address to business and political leaders.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, often described as second-in-command to Supreme Leader Xi Jinping, leads the delegation from Beijing. Beijing “will be attended by 10 ministers of state,” according to a Foreign Ministry document dated January 12. “The Second Minister will hold a meeting with Swiss leaders.” Ambassador. [Scott] Miller described it as a “fake state visit.”
The document continues: “Miller thinks it would be bad looks if [Secretary Blinken] “She did not at least shake hands with the new president of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, who made herself fully available for the meeting.”
For Blinken, Davos will be a hectic ride with him “Several different places and moving parts.”
A US official familiar with the matter said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may meet on Monday with Chinese officials in Bern. The official was granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The document indicates that Blinken is scheduled to meet with Zelensky while he is in Davos. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, among others.
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