US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, concluding his three-day visit to China on Thursday, assured Beijing that Vice President Kamala Harris, if elected President in 2024, would maintain a stable relationship with China. This reassurance was intended to ease Chinese concerns about a potential shift in US policy under a Harris administration.
Following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sullivan stated that Harris shares President Biden’s view on the need for responsible management of the US-China relationship to prevent conflict or confrontation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the two countries, suggesting that a Harris presidency would not drastically alter the current approach to China.
China has expressed concern about a potential shift in US policy under a Harris administration, particularly regarding the future of US-China relations. While Harris has had limited interactions with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang, her views on China remain somewhat unclear.
Sullivan sought to address these concerns by highlighting Harris’s experience as a central member of the Biden foreign policy team, emphasizing her involvement in the design and execution of US strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. He shared his experiences with Chinese leaders, emphasizing that a Harris presidency would not represent a departure from the Biden administration’s current approach to China.
During his visit, Sullivan held discussions with Chinese leaders on a range of issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, China’s support for Russia, and drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of open communication channels to address these issues constructively.
President Xi, in his meeting with Sullivan, reiterated China’s commitment to a stable and healthy relationship with the US. He emphasized the importance of both countries as stable sources of world peace.
The US has also expressed its commitment to peace across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed its support for its Indo-Pacific allies, including the Philippines, amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
Sullivan’s talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were part of a “strategic channel” to stabilize relations and discuss sensitive issues. The White House has announced that President Biden and Xi plan to speak by phone soon and may meet in person before Biden’s term ends, potentially at upcoming APEC or G20 meetings.
In a notable meeting, Sullivan met with General Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese military official. General Zhang expressed concerns about US military collusion with Taiwan, arms sales to Taiwan, and the spreading of false narratives about Taiwan.
While Sullivan’s visit aimed to reassure China about the continuity of US policy under a potential Harris presidency, the ongoing tensions between the two superpowers remain a significant challenge. The US and China continue to navigate a complex relationship, balancing competition with the need for cooperation on global issues.
