Chinese readout of Sunday's meetings described it as constructive but made clear that Taiwan is the most important issue, and a potentially dangerous one.
There is an expectation Blinken's visit will pave the way for more bilateral meetings in coming months.
Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board in 2020 to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change.
China has been ramping up its economic, diplomatic and military activities, encouraged by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Visiting from abroad, the deceased was not identified at the time reports were released.
The listed companies are restricted from receiving US exports for other activities deemed contrary to US interests, including acquiring US items for China’s military modernization.
The crushing of any critique of the government is part of China’s shifting stance on many issues.
US and Canadian navies were conducting a joint exercise in the strait, which separates the island of Taiwan and China, when the Chinese ship cut in front.
A senior US defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that since 2021 China had declined or not responded to over a dozen requests to talk with the Pentagon.
One of the thorniest security issues between the two superpowers is over the future of Taiwan, a self-governing territory which Beijing wants to bring under its rule.
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