BEIJING, China – Amid escalating tensions between China and the United States, Chinese leader Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Sullivan’s visit aimed to maintain open lines of communication between the two nations to prevent conflicts from arising.
Sullivan, on his inaugural trip to China as President Joe Biden’s principal adviser on national security matters, held meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a high-ranking general from the Central Military Commission. The strained relationship between China and the U.S. has stemmed from various issues, including a trade war initiated in 2018 and disagreements over global security concerns such as China’s claims in the South China Sea.
Both governments expressed interest in upholding stable relations in light of the upcoming change in U.S. presidency in January. They underscored their commitment to managing the relationship effectively, building on a previous meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco last November.
During their discussions, Xi and Sullivan focused on resolving key issues, including the detention of American citizens in China, matters concerning Taiwan, and tensions in the South China Sea involving China and the Philippines. Additionally, they addressed China’s support for Russia, with concerns raised about technology exports facilitating the manufacturing of weaponry.
The talks also covered vital military communication, with both parties agreeing to facilitate a phone call between Xi and Biden in the near future. Sullivan hinted at the possibility of a face-to-face meeting at upcoming summits. Taiwan emerged as a central topic of discussion, given its strained relations with China due to conflicting claims regarding the island’s status.
As the dialogue progressed, Sullivan emphasized responsible management of U.S.-China relations, reaffirming the need for constructive communication between the two nations. The exchange also highlighted the importance of maintaining cross-Strait peace and stability in the region.
Notably, the U.S. and China have made significant strides in sustaining regular military-to-military communications over the past months, culminating in an agreement to conduct a telephone call between theater-level commanders. This progress underscores the potential for crisis prevention and conflict resolution in the region.
Overall, the discussions between Xi and Sullivan underscored the complex dynamics at play in the U.S.-China relationship, emphasizing the need for strategic management and cooperation to navigate challenges effectively and preserve stability in the Asia-Pacific region.