During his trip to China, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to keep communication channels open in a relationship that has become increasingly strained in recent years.
Prior to meeting Xi, Sullivan also held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a top general from the Central Military Commission. The aim of Sullivan’s visit is to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict, especially in light of the trade war that began in 2018.
Both China and the United States are committed to managing their relationship and avoiding conflict, as reiterated by Xi and Biden in their meeting last November. Sullivan emphasized the importance of responsible diplomacy in managing competition between the two countries.
Discussions between Xi and Sullivan touched on various issues such as American citizens detained in China, Taiwan, and the conflicts in the South China Sea. They also addressed China’s support for Russia, efforts to end the Ukraine war, and military-to-military communication.
The topic of Taiwan, with its strained relations with China, has become increasingly critical in recent years. Sullivan’s rare meeting with General Zhang Youxia of the Central Military Commission underscored the importance of responsibly managing U.S.-China relations, particularly in the context of Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland.
Overall, Sullivan’s visit aimed to maintain stability in the China-U.S. relationship and pave the way for future discussions and potential meetings between Xi and Biden at upcoming summits.