In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan concluded his visit to China, marking the first such engagement in eight years. The visit aimed to bridge gaps and foster a more collaborative relationship between the two global giants.
During a media briefing, Yang Tao, director general of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), outlined the key discussions from Sullivan's visit. Central to the talks were the establishment of a new round of interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden in the near future.
China delineated four critical red lines in their bilateral relations: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, the Chinese path and system, and China's right to development. These points underscore the foundational aspects that both nations deem essential for any future collaborations.
Beyond these red lines, both countries reached agreements on several specific matters. These include the initiation of a theater commander-level video call between their militaries and the commencement of the second round of intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence. Such institutionalized arrangements aim to enhance communication and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
President Xi emphasized the importance of developing a right strategic perception between the two nations. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi highlighted China's commitment to peaceful development and its readiness to collaborate with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind. He stressed that in today's turbulent world, solidarity and coordination are paramount over division and confrontation.
Yang Tao pointed out that the strategic communication channel established between China's Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and the U.S. national security advisor is designed to support head-of-state diplomacy. This channel aims to sustain the strategic guidance provided by presidential interactions, ensuring stability and certainty in China-U.S. relations.
As the world watches, the outcomes of Sullivan's visit could pave the way for a more stable and cooperative international landscape, highlighting the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between the United States and China.
Reference(s):
MFA official's briefing: Key takeaways from Sullivan's China visit
cgtn.com
