The visit included discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top military officials, emphasizing the need to prevent competition from escalating into conflict.
Commitment to
Sullivan stressed the importance of diplomacy in managing US-China relations, saying, “We believe that competition with China does not have to lead to conflict or confrontation. The key is responsible management through diplomacy.” This effort comes as both nations seek to stabilize relations ahead of potential changes in the US presidency in January, reported the AP.
Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment, affirming China’s commitment to a stable relationship with the United States. “While great changes have taken place in the two countries and in China-US relations, China’s commitment to the goal of a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged,” he said.
Sullivan added that President Biden is dedicated to managing this consequential relationship responsibly, ensuring that competition doesn’t escalate into conflict.
Plans were made for a phone call between Xi and Biden in the coming weeks, with the potential for an in-person meeting at significant international summits later this year. Sullivan noted, “The likelihood is they’ll both be there, and if they are, it would only be natural for them to have the chance to sit down with one another.”
Sensitive issues and
The discussions also addressed sensitive topics, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, and China’s support for Russia. On Taiwan, Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of China’s vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, emphasized, “Reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is ‘the mission and responsibility’ of the military,” demanding that the US cease military interactions with Taiwan.
Sullivan acknowledged the rarity of such exchanges and underscored their importance. “It is rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange,” Sullivan said. The meeting resulted in an agreement for a call between military commanders in the Indo-Pacific region, which Sullivan described as a “very positive outcome.”
Efforts to manage tensions
A White House statement recognized progress in sustaining military-to-military communications, referencing the upcoming theatre-level call. Danny Russel of the Asia Society Policy Institute highlighted the significance of Sullivan’s meeting with Xi, noting that Sullivan was seen by the Chinese leadership as “a direct extension” of President Biden, and his messaging was viewed as “coming straight from Biden.”
Sullivan’s visit underscored the delicate balance of US-China relations as both nations navigate their competitive but interdependent relationship.