State Department Walks Back Biden Comments on Chinese Defense-Minister Sanctions

The State Department flatly ruled out lifting sanctions on China’s defense minister, one day after President Biden said the U.S. was considering such a move.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been trying to secure a meeting with Chinese defense minister General Li Shangfu for months. But Li was placed under U.S. sanctions in 2018 over his role in China’s purchase of weapons from Russia, barring him from traveling to the U.S. Chinese officials have repeatedly stonewalled the Biden administration’s efforts to secure meetings between the two countries, especially in the wake of the Chinese spy-balloon episode.

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Jimmy Quinn

Jimmy Quinn is the former national security correspondent for National Review.

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The State Department flatly ruled out lifting sanctions on China’s defense minister, one day after President Biden said the U.S. was considering such a move.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been trying to secure a meeting with Chinese defense minister General Li Shangfu for months. But Li was placed under U.S. sanctions in 2018 over his role in China’s purchase of weapons from Russia, barring him from traveling to the U.S. Chinese officials have repeatedly stonewalled the Biden administration’s efforts to secure meetings between the two countries, especially in the wake of the Chinese spy-balloon episode.