In a significant move to stabilize relations, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit the Chinese mainland on Tuesday at the invitation of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. This three-day trip marks Sullivan's fifth meeting with Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.
The upcoming discussions follow their last encounter in January in Bangkok, Thailand, which took place two months after Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and U.S. counterpart Joe Biden held talks in San Francisco. Beijing described those previous talks as \"substantive and constructive.\"
A statement from China's Foreign Ministry highlighted that since the San Francisco meeting, various teams—including diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, climate, and military—have maintained communication. Additionally, exchanges between the people of both nations have increased.
Despite these efforts, China has criticized the United States for what it describes as \"containing and suppressing\" its rise, to which China has responded with resolute countermeasures. The statement emphasized that the China-U.S. relationship is still at a critical juncture of being stabilized.
Taiwan Question and Trade Top Agenda
During the talks, Wang Yi and Sullivan are expected to engage in in-depth discussions on several pressing issues. Key topics include the Taiwan question, South China Sea dynamics, tariffs and export controls, as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The Taiwan question remains a priority, referred to by Beijing as \"the first and foremost red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.\" Over recent years, China has condemned the U.S. for \"provocative moves\" towards the Taiwan region, such as arms sales, high-ranking official visits, and support for \"Taiwan independence\" forces. China has consistently responded to these actions with resolute countermeasures.
The diplomats will also address \"the boundary between national security and economic activities,\" building on the common understandings reached by the two heads of state in San Francisco. As both nations navigate these complex issues, the outcome of Sullivan's visit could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of China-U.S. relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
