The White House said the Biden administration is ready to have a "frank conversation" with China and is negotiating from a position of "strength," as officials hold tense bilateral talks with Beijing. During Thursday’s meeting, Blinken said the Biden administration is united with its allies in pushing back against China’s increasing authoritarianism and assertiveness at home and abroad. Sullivan amplified the criticism, saying China has undertaken an "assault on basic values." "Many people within the United States actually have little confidence in the democracy of the United States." Just a day before the meeting, Blinken announced new sanctions over Beijing’s crackdown on pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

Source: Fox News March 19, 2021 17:59 UTC