Blinken in Beijing on high-stakes mission to cool soaring US-China tensions

Despite Mr Blinken’s presence in the Chinese capital, the prospect of any significant breakthrough is slim, as already strained ties have grown increasingly fraught in recent years.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun two days of high-stakes diplomatic talks in Beijing aimed at trying to cool soaring US-China tensions (Leah Millis/Pool/AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun two days of high-stakes diplomatic talks in Beijing aimed at trying to cool exploding US-China tensions that have set many around the world on edge.

He started his mission by meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang for an extended discussion on Sunday, to be followed by a working dinner.