High-level U.S., China meeting in Alaska off to contentious start as both sides go on attack – By Humeyra Pamuk and Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom (Reuters) / Mar 18 2021
China’s Foreign Ministry earlier denied speculation that the start of trials for Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig was tied to the Alaska meetings
ANCHORAGE — The United States and China leveled sharp rebukes of each others’ policies in the first high-level, in-person talks of the Biden administration on Thursday, with deeply strained relations of the two global rivals on rare public display during the meeting’s opening session in Alaska.
The United States, which quickly accused China “grandstanding” and violating the meeting’s protocol, had been looking for a change in behavior from China which had earlier this year expressed hope for a reset to sour relations.
On the eve of the talks, Beijing had presaged what would be a contentious meeting, with its ambassador to Washington saying the United States was full of illusions if it thinks China will compromise.
The meeting took place a day after China announced that the trials would begin for two Canadians being detained in China on espionage charges.
Michael Spavor is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, while Michael Kovrig’s hearing is slated to take place Monday.
