Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Beijing on Thursday to discuss maintaining open communications between the two powers amid growing tensions. Sullivan, on his first trip to China as President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, met with senior Chinese officials to address issues such as the South China Sea dispute and industrial policy. Both sides emphasized the importance of responsible management through diplomacy to prevent conflict.
Xi and Biden previously met in an effort to improve ties, and they plan to have a phone call in the coming weeks. Sullivan also discussed American citizens detained in China, Taiwan’s relationship with China, and China’s support for Russia. Military communication between the two countries, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, was a key topic of discussion.
China’s vice chairman of the Central Military Commission raised concerns about the U.S. military’s interactions with Taiwan, and Beijing warned against supporting the Philippines in the South China Sea disputes. The U.S. has shifted its policy towards China from engagement to competition, while seeking collaboration on climate change and AI.
Overall, both sides affirmed their commitment to managing the relationship and keeping communications open. The next steps include potential in-person meetings between Xi and Biden, as well as further dialogues on issues such as artificial intelligence and illicit drugs. The White House highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and addressing concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea.
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