The U.S. and China traded tense verbal attacks as the first high-level talks between the two countries since the start of the Biden administration kicked off in Alaska Thursday. This is Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken: “I have to tell you, what I’m hearing is very different from what you described. I’m hearing deep satisfaction that the United States is back, that we’re reengaged with our allies and partners. I’m also hearing deep concern about some of the actions your government is taking.”

The U.S. accused China of threatening “global stability” and raised human rights issues. China, meanwhile, said the U.S. is using its military and economic might to carry out its own national priorities and “incite some countries to attack China.” This is senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi.

Yang Jiechi: “So, we hope that when talking about universal values or international public opinion on the part of the United States, we hope that the U.S. side will think about whether it feels reassured saying those things, because the U.S. does not represent the world, it only represents the government of the United States.”