Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Adviser, had an encounter with the Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, concluding three days of discussion tailored to alleviate tension between the two global powerhouses ahead of the US election in November. They held their meeting in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, during which President Xi assured Sullivan that he is committed to a stable relationship with the US, stating that cooperation and coordination are necessary in today’s unpredictable global environment.
Sullivan relayed President Biden’s commitment to manage the alliance in a bid to avert conflict, expressing anticipation for upcoming engagements. A broad array of issues were addressed during the week’s talks, including disputes over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Russia, as well as the US’s appeal for China to eliminate the supply of fentanyl precursors, a leading element in American overdose cases.
Before his meeting with President Xi, Sullivan had an uncommon encounter with Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Zhang Youxia, who is seen as a key military advisor to the president by diplomats. Sullivan made a case with General Zhang for improved communication at the operative level between the armies of the two countries. This marked the first meeting of its kind between a Biden administration official and the military leader.
Post discussions, Sullivan shared the belief that both nations have an accountability to keep competition from spiralling into conflict or disagreement. Highlighting the state of the world, and the imperative for careful handling of US-China relations, he underscored the importance of the meeting. Both parties spoke of advancements in military communications, with plans for high-ranking commanders to conduct telephonic discussions in the near future. A push led by the US in the light of increased regional deployments.
The White House disclosed Sullivan’s emphasis on stability across the Taiwan Strait and freedom in the navigation of the contested South China Sea, a key global trade passageway. He also raised apprehensions about China’s backing for Russia’s military industry. General Zhang, considered a close associate of President Xi, and has weathered turbulence within the Chinese military, with diplomats both Western and Asian, stating that he holds more influence than the defence minister, who regularly meets with foreign officials.
Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, extensive dialogues were held between the Chinese foreign secretary Wang Yi and his American counterpart, Mr Sullivan. They both explored the possibility of a forthcoming dialogue involving the Chinese and US heads of state. Their discussions were wide-ranging and encompassed a variety of topics, such as the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, bilateral trade and China’s territorial sovereignty extending from Taiwan to the South China Sea.
Chinese state TV reported that Minister Wang emphasized the importance of mutual respect in the relationship between the two countries. He highlighted that for smooth Sino-American relations to flourish, regards should be maintained as equals. In response, the American administration hailed their meetings as candid, comprehensive, and constructive.
Prior to the presidential elections on November 5th, US President Biden has been focusing sharply on direct diplomatic negotiations with President Xi to curb growing tensions. Similar course of actions are foreseen to be taken by the vice-president and Democrat nominee, Kamala Harris. However, numerous observers, most of them siding with the Republicans and the former US president, Donald Trump, are skeptical of this approach. They view it as ineffective against China’s progressively firm international policy approach, according to Reuters …
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