In a rare move, China's top diplomat is set to visit Washington this week, as announced by the United States on Monday. This visit is seen as a potential precursor to President Xi Jinping's visit, aimed at mitigating rising tensions.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit the U.S. capital in nearly five years, is scheduled to be in Washington from Thursday to Saturday. This visit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding trade, Ukraine, the Middle East, Taiwan, and China's assertive actions in the waters near the Philippines.

A senior U.S. official explained that this visit is part of the ongoing efforts between the world's two largest economies to "responsibly manage our competition." He further emphasized the importance of direct, face-to-face diplomacy in addressing challenging issues, dispelling misunderstandings, and exploring areas of mutual interest.

Wang's visit is seen as a response to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing in June, which was the highest-level visit by a U.S. official to China since 2018. During Blinken's visit, he held extensive discussions with the top Chinese leadership, including President Xi. It is anticipated that Wang will seek a similar meeting with President Joe Biden, who is in Washington this week.

Biden has extended an invitation to China's leader to travel to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, signaling a willingness to engage in high-level diplomacy.

Although it remains uncertain whether Wang's visit will lead to a formal visit by President Xi, both sides have expressed a desire to avoid conflict. Tensions have periodically escalated, particularly concerning issues such as Taiwan and actions by U.S. lawmakers.

China's actions near Taiwan and the Philippines have stirred controversy, with the U.S. expressing concern about Beijing's behavior. The Philippines, a U.S. ally, has accused China of intentionally colliding with its boats in contested waters. Meanwhile, China has criticized U.S. support for Israel and voiced displeasure over a UN Security Council resolution that the U.S. vetoed.

The visit by China's Foreign Minister is expected to be a pivotal moment in shaping the trajectory of U.S.-China relations, which hold significant implications for global stability.