US national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently held talks with General Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese military official, to discuss various issues between the two superpowers. The talks aimed to strengthen communication and defuse tensions as China faces security disputes with US allies Japan and the Philippines.
During the meeting, Sullivan raised concerns about stability in the Taiwan Strait, US commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and China’s support for Russia’s defense industry. Zhang emphasized that Taiwan’s independence is a red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations, urging the US to halt military collusion with Taiwan and cease arming the island. The officials arranged for more direct military talks between commanders in the future.
Sullivan also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who expressed China’s commitment to stable bilateral relations and encouraged the US to work together to find common ground. The discussions also touched on potential talks between President Biden and Xi, covering trade, the Middle East, Ukraine, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Despite tensions and competing territorial claims in the region, both sides are working towards increased cooperation. Previous communication between the two militaries was suspended after a visit by Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022, but talks were gradually resumed following a meeting between Xi and Biden last November.
Overall, the recent talks between US and Chinese officials aimed to address various issues and promote dialogue to avoid further escalation of tensions between the two countries.
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