Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of finding a “right way” for the United States and China to get along during a meeting with U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Xi stated that despite changes in both countries and their relationship, China remains committed to the goal of a stable and sustainable China-U.S. relationship. Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent years, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology. Xi expressed hope that the U.S. would view China’s development positively and work with China to find a mutually beneficial way for the two major countries to coexist.
Sullivan’s visit to Beijing included meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia. This trip marks Sullivan’s first visit to China as national security advisor, although he has met with Wang in the past. The last official trip to China by a U.S. president’s national security advisor was in 2016 under the Obama administration. President Joe Biden and Xi have plans to speak by phone in the coming weeks, indicating efforts to address the strained relationship between the two countries. Sullivan is scheduled to depart China following his meetings with Chinese officials.
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been a point of agreement across both political parties in the U.S., even amidst the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the November presidential election. Both Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris have voiced the importance of being tough on Beijing. Biden withdrew from the presidential race, endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee. Phil Gordon, Harris’ current national security advisor, highlighted the significant challenges posed by China beyond issues related to Taiwan. Gordon stressed the need to prevent Beijing from acquiring advanced technology, intelligence, and military capabilities that could threaten U.S. interests.
The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China have led to concerns about the potential for further conflict in various areas, such as trade, finance, and technology. Both countries have made efforts to engage in dialogue and find ways to manage their relationship, as evidenced by meetings between top officials from China and the U.S. Sullivan’s visit to Beijing represents an opportunity to discuss key issues and priorities with Chinese leaders, including the importance of finding common ground and addressing areas of disagreement. The upcoming phone call between Biden and Xi signals a willingness to engage in high-level discussions and work towards improved relations between the two nations.
The Biden administration’s approach to China reflects a broader consensus within the U.S. political landscape regarding the need to address the challenges posed by Beijing. While there may be differences in tactics and strategies, there is a shared recognition of the importance of managing the U.S.-China relationship in a way that safeguards American interests and promotes stability in the international system. By engaging in dialogue and diplomatic efforts, the U.S. and China can work towards building a more constructive and cooperative relationship that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to global peace and prosperity. The Biden administration’s focus on addressing the “China challenge” can be seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. leadership and engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
