The US Secretary of State is guided in by ground staff in Johannesburg – Photo: DIRCO / Twitter
The US Secretary of State is guided in by ground staff in Johannesburg – Photo: DIRCO / Twitter
One of Joe Biden’s most senior Cabinet members is now officially in South Africa, after his plane landed at Lanseria Airport in the early hours of Sunday morning. Antony Blinken touched down in Johannesburg, and was greeted by a delegation from the South African government.
Why is the US Secretary of State in South Africa?
His visit to Johannesburg comes at a very sensitive time. Not just for the US and China, but for the rest of the world. The Asian superpower has upped its aggressive rhetoric regarding the disputed state of Taiwan. This, after Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation last week.
Chinese authorities – who reject Taiwan’s autonomy and want it to remain part of China – have responded by conducting troubling military drills and flying their planes in restricted airspace. Therefore, the situation is tense. In response, America is looking to formulate a measured approach.
So, why has Antony Blinken arrived in Johannesburg today? Well, it’s been in the diary for a while. South Africa and the United States will now meet for a ‘strategic dialogue’. The talks will be hosted by DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor, taking place on Monday 8 August.
Today, Sunday, 07 August 2022. The Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr Antony Blinken, arrives at Lanseria airport, ahead of the occasion of the South Africa – United States Strategic Dialogue to be hosted by Minister Naledi Pandor on Monday.#USAInRSA???????????????? pic.twitter.com/8HPZWe6fEC
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) August 7, 2022
Key US-South Africa talks to take place in Johannesburg
It is speculated that South Africa is a priority for discussion amongst American officials. This is due to its own strategic partnership with China. Mzansi is part of the BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, and indeed, the Chinese.
It’s also worth noting that SA threw the world a curveball with its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it outright refused to condemn the war started by Vladimir Putin.
Therefore, the US is now likely to try use this Johannesburg visit to establish where Ramaphosa and his comrades stand on the China-Taiwan tensions.
VIDEO: #USA Secretary of State Antony Blinken @SecBlinken landed at Lanseria Airport this early morning as he arrives for the SA-US Strategic Dialogue to be hosted in Pretoria by @DIRCO_ZA Minister Naledi Pandor. Follow @LivePretoria and stay updated #USAInRSA pic.twitter.com/PdH4wIXYgC
— PretoriaLIVE (@LivePretoria) August 7, 2022
