Amidst rising tensions in the region, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, on a three-day visit to China, delivered a clear message to Beijing: the US will defend its allies. This statement came after Japan and the Philippines accused China of escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea.
During his meeting with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, Sullivan emphasized the US commitment to protecting its Indo-Pacific allies. He expressed concern over what the White House described as “destabilizing” Chinese maritime operations against the Philippines.
China, in response, urged the US not to support the Philippines’ actions in the South China Sea, claiming it undermines Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity. This statement follows Beijing’s accusation that two Philippine Coast Guard ships had illegally entered disputed reefs and waters, leading to Chinese intervention.
The meeting highlights ongoing efforts to maintain communication channels amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Sullivan’s trip, his first to China, builds on previous engagements with Wang Yi in Vienna, Malta, and Bangkok.
While speculation was rife that Sullivan’s visit might pave the way for President Biden’s first visit to China, analysts remain skeptical. The trip is viewed as a crucial stand-in for Biden, who is nearing the end of his term without having visited China. A Biden visit remains unlikely, with some analysts suggesting that a pre-war scenario would make it more plausible.
Should Biden depart without visiting China, he would join Ronald Reagan as one of only two US presidents to not visit the country during their term. Sullivan’s visit underscores the importance of maintaining dialogue and addressing the growing tensions in the region.
