Xi Jinping Meets US Security Adviser in Beijing to Ease Tensions

Xi Jinping Meets US Security Adviser in Beijing to Ease Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday in Beijing, aiming to keep communication open as tensions between the two global powers remain high. The meeting, part of ongoing efforts to manage the strained US-China relationship, comes after years of escalating disputes over trade, security, and geopolitical issues.

Sullivan, on his first visit to China as President Joe Biden’s main security adviser, also engaged with key Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a senior military leader from the Central Military Commission. Both sides reiterated their commitment to managing the relationship and preventing conflict, with plans for future discussions, including a potential call between President Biden and President Xi in the coming weeks.

China and the US have clashed on several fronts, from trade disputes dating back to 2018 to territorial claims in the South China Sea. The growing military presence of China, particularly concerning Taiwan, remains a focal point of tension. Wang Yi emphasized that Taiwan’s independence poses a significant threat to regional stability, urging the US to cease military support for the island.

Meanwhile, Sullivan reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, underscoring the US’s commitment to providing Taiwan with defensive resources. As Beijing continues to expand its military capabilities, concerns over Taiwan and the South China Sea as potential flashpoints persist.

Despite these challenges, both nations have expressed a desire to avoid conflict and seek areas where their interests align. However, there is no indication that Xi and Biden will meet in person before the end of Biden’s presidency. Future military-level communications between the two nations are also being planned as part of efforts to stabilize relations.