US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently met with top Chinese military official General Zhang Youxia in Beijing to discuss a range of issues aimed at strengthening communication between the two superpowers. The talks covered topics such as stability in the Taiwan Strait, US commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, and efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.
However, tensions arose over the issue of Taiwan, with Zhang warning that the island’s independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait were non-negotiable for China. He demanded that the US stop military collaboration with Taiwan, cease arming the island, and halt the spread of false narratives related to Taiwan.
Despite the disagreements, the two officials arranged for future direct military talks between commanders, showing a commitment to defuse tensions and improve communication. Sullivan also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, discussing the prospect of talks between Biden and Xi to address a broad agenda including trade, the Middle East, and Chinese territorial claims.
The White House reaffirmed the US commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies in the face of China’s actions in the South China Sea. However, Chinese state media reported that Wang warned the US not to use bilateral treaties to undermine China’s sovereignty or support actions that infringe on China’s territorial integrity.
The talks between Sullivan and Chinese officials come after a suspension in military communication following a visit by US lawmaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022. However, efforts at closer cooperation between the two countries have gradually resumed, culminating in the recent discussions in Beijing.
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