White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit ahead of the U.S. general election in November and recent statements condemning China’s aggression in the South China Sea.
Sullivan is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two are expected to focus on several key issues in the bilateral relationship, including advancing counternarcotics cooperation, military-to-military communication, and AI safety and risk discussion, according to White House national security spokesman John Kirby.
“He will also take the opportunity to talk to Mr. Wang about our concerns, from a security perspective, all throughout the Indo-Pacific—tensions rising in the South China Sea, tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and a range of other issues including unfair economic practices,” Kirby added. “All of that will be on the table.”
The communication channel between Sullivan and Wang “has played an important role in responsibly managing the competition and tension between our two countries,” Kirby said of the Biden administration’s approach to China.
Sullivan’s visit comes amid escalating aggression by China toward its neighbors in the region, particularly the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Recent “dangerous actions” by China in the South China Sea prompted a statement from August condemning China’s actions and reaffirming U.S. commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.
During a briefing about Sullivan’s trip on Aug. 23rd., a senior administration official stated that Sullivan and Wang will also exchange views on North Korea, Middle East affairs,Burma,Taiwan,the South china sea,and US concerns about china’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base
The U.S Treasury Department sanctioned nearly 400 individuals supporting Russia’s war effort against Ukraine last month ,including several Russian companies.In response ,China’s commerce ministry denounced these sanctions,hinting that it won’t stop aiding Moscow’s war effort
The November U.S elections will loom large as Sullivan sits down with Wang.The CCP might withhold signing any new commitments with Biden administration if it feels next US administration would implement more favorable policies towards china.Former President Donald Trump said earlier this year he was considering imposing over 60 percent tariffs on Chinese goods if reelected.Vice President Kamala Harris,in her speech accepting Democratic Party nomination for presidency last week,said “America not china wins competition for 21st century”
People shouldn’t tie this trip or associate it too closely with election,a senior administration official said.They added that US side won’t speak for next administrations’ china policy be it Harris or Trump adminstration,and said sullivan will speak about how we intend manage balance of this adminstration how we intend manage transition
Chen Ping-kui,a professor at Taiwan National Chengchi University dismissed meeting between sullivan wang would have any direct connection november elections.He didn’t anticipate any actual results coming out meeting.Nonetheless Chen said meeting surely help stabilize sino-us ties at least so two sides can avoid misunderstandings going forward.If harris wins,it is unclear if she continue biden administrations approach engagement beijing.Secretary State Antony Blinken,Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo President Joe Biden climate envoy John Kerry have all visited china since biden took office
Sullivans’ visit marks first time since 2016 when Susan Rice made trip met chinese communist party officials including chinese leader Xi Jinping.China has been increasingly aggressive towards its neighbors.Japan reported monday chinese military plane had violated country airspace first time over waters southwestern japan.In response intrusion,ministry japanese fighter jets were scrambled warn off chinese plane.China has also stepped up coercion against taiwan following january election Lai Ching-te who was sworn as taiwans president may.On morning aug24,taiwans defense ministry reported spotted 50 military planes vessels vicinity taiwan past24 hours.Chinas incursion coincided Lais’ trip taiwans offshore islands kinmen friday.During speech he said “Taiwan peace-loving country” people taiwan are “unwilling ruled communist party”.Study War American Enterprise Institute recently published report warning that china could seize kinmen islands coming months since xi may believe united states wont respond rapidly forcefully given own general election wars ukraine gaza.In south sea there have been several sea air confrontations between philippines recent weeks.On aug25 manila one fisheries vessels prematurely ended resupply mission shoal exclusive economic zone because engine failed after being rammed by chinese coast guards ships.Despite significant international condemnation,china continues push ownership claims within other nations internationally-recognized waters south sea.In2016 Permanent Court Arbitration Hague rejected Beijings nine-dash line claim about85 percent south seas2 million square miles.Ruling stated Beijings territorial claims were inconsistent UN Convention Law Sea.On tuesday another philippine resupply mission south sea was cut short.According philippine coast guard,two vessels carrying food supplies personnel aboard agencys flagship BRP Teresa Magbanua extended patrol around Escoda Shoal illegally blocked40 Chinese vessels which included six Chinese Coast Guard ships.During US Indo-Pacific Commands military forum Manila tuesday philippines defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro named chinas biggest disruptor peace southeast asia.Gordon Chang,senior fellow Gatestone Institute author Coming Collapse warned philippines next Ukraine according his article published aug26.Chang explained Xi needs quick political victory because he vulnerable domestically due his policies.Given seizing Taiwan out reach moment,Xi decided move weak neighbor Republic Philippines fits bill Chang risk attack philippines lead general conflict region