US secretary of state Anthony Blinken met with China foreign minister, Qin Gang, for extensive dialogue, signaling potential tension relief between the nations. Both sides described the meeting as substantive, aiming to restore high-level communication channels. Despite no expected breakthroughs, Qin’s acceptance of a Washington visit signals a mutual interest in fostering ties. Further meetings with top Chinese officials are on Blinken’s schedule, hinting at his visit’s success, including a potential, yet unscheduled, meeting with president Xi Jinping.