US National Security Adviser Meets China’s Xi Amid Growing Tensions and Upcoming US Elections

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to stabilize the increasingly strained relationship between the two superpowers. The meeting, part of a three-day trip, also included talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. This was the first high-level military discussion between US and Chinese officials since 2018.

Xi reiterated China’s commitment to maintaining a stable and healthy relationship with the US, urging both nations to view each other’s growth as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Sullivan, representing President Joe Biden, assured Xi that the US is dedicated to managing their relationship responsibly to prevent competition from escalating into conflict. He also hinted at a potential meeting or call between Biden and Xi in the near future, with their last conversation occurring in April.

The meetings come amid heightened tensions over several issues, including Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan, and US trade restrictions targeting China. Both sides are keen to repair communication channels, even as the US approaches a pivotal election that could shift the trajectory of their bilateral relationship.

Political analysts suggest there is little incentive for either side to aggressively pursue major changes before the election. Liu Dongshu from City University of Hong Kong noted that both countries are likely in a “wait and see” mode, aiming to avoid incidents that could further damage relations.

In the military sphere, Sullivan and Zhang discussed resuming direct communications between US and Chinese military commanders in the Indo-Pacific region. This follows President Biden and Xi’s meeting in November, aimed at improving military dialogue amid ongoing tensions. Although a call between the commanders has not been scheduled yet, the initiative reflects a broader effort to ease military-related friction.

Tensions in the South China Sea have been particularly notable, with recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels. US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo recently suggested that the US might escort Philippine ships through the contested waters, a move likely to heighten regional tensions.

During his meetings, Sullivan addressed various issues including freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, cross-Strait stability concerning Taiwan, and cybersecurity concerns. He also highlighted the US’s commitment to managing relations with China responsibly.

Chinese officials, including General Zhang, urged the US to adopt a more rational policy toward China and respect its core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan. Zhang called for stability in military and security fields, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue.

The discussions between Sullivan and Wang Yi also touched on potential areas of cooperation such as counter-narcotics and artificial intelligence safety. However, significant disagreements remain, particularly over US arms sales to Taiwan and trade policies.

As the Biden administration prepares for multilateral summits later this year, Sullivan’s visit underscores the ongoing challenges and efforts to navigate the complex US-China relationship in a period of significant political transition.