In a significant development, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking a rare high-level engagement between the two superpowers. Sullivan, the first US national security advisor to visit China since 2016, met with Xi after concluding three days of discussions with Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China, with security disputes arising in the Asia-Pacific region involving US allies Japan and the Philippines.
During his meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, Sullivan conveyed that President Joe Biden is “looking forward to engaging with you again in the coming weeks.” He emphasized President Biden’s commitment to managing the relationship “responsibly” to prevent competition from escalating into conflict while also pursuing collaboration on areas of shared interest. In response, Xi Jinping stated that despite “great changes,” China and the US can still maintain positive ties. He asserted China’s commitment to a “stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations” and expressed hope for mutual cooperation.
Prior to meeting with Xi, Sullivan and Wang Yi discussed plans for a future summit between Biden and Xi, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. The two sides also clashed over China’s assertive stance in disputed maritime regions. Sullivan raised concerns about China’s “support for Russia’s defence industrial base,” reiterating US claims that Beijing has denied. He also stressed the need to prevent “miscalculation and escalation in cyberspace” and highlighted efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure a hostage release in Gaza.
On Thursday morning, Sullivan met with senior Chinese military official Zhang Youxia at the headquarters of the Central Military Commission. The focus of their discussion was Taiwan, a key flashpoint in US-China relations. Sullivan emphasized the importance of “freedom of navigation” in the South China Sea and “stability” in the Taiwan Strait, where China and the Philippines have experienced recent tensions. Zhang, in response, issued a stern warning, stating that Taiwan’s status represents “the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations.” He insisted that China remains committed to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but underscored that “‘Taiwan independence’ and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible.” Zhang demanded that the US cease military collaboration with Taiwan, halt arms supplies to the island, and refrain from spreading “false narratives” about Taiwan. He also called on Washington to work with China on promoting military communication and exchanges, and to jointly assume the responsibilities of major powers.
Sullivan’s visit comes ahead of the US presidential election in November. While President Biden has prioritized dialogue with China while also maintaining pressure, the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, is expected to follow a similar approach if she wins. In contrast, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has vowed, at least rhetorically, to take a tougher stance on China, with some of his aides suggesting a broader global confrontation with the country. The outcome of the US election will likely have a significant impact on the future trajectory of US-China relations.
