U.S. and China plan Xi-Biden call and extend military talks after elections

On August 28, a significant development occurred in U.S.-China relations following the visit of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Both nations agreed that President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will hold a phone conversation in the coming weeks.

The White House described Sullivan’s discussions with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi as “candid, substantive, and constructive.” Their talks took place over two days, signaling an effort to enhance communication between the two countries.

During these meetings, China and the U.S. expressed their commitment to maintain direct channels of communication, which is vital for addressing various pressing global issues. Plans for future discussions at the leader level aim to help clarify stances and policies as Biden approaches the end of his presidential term in January.

In addition to the anticipated call between Biden and Xi, both sides highlighted the need for ongoing military communication. Initiatives for a “theater commander” call were also discussed to further facilitate dialogue.

The discussions explored various global, regional, and bilateral matters. Key points included efforts to combat the flow of illicit narcotics from China to the U.S., military communication, and addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

Sullivan’s visit not only marked a deep dive into urgent bilateral issues but also illustrated the ongoing diplomatic efforts to repair and maintain open communication lines amid recent rocky relations.

The Biden administration sees these talks as crucial to responsibly managing the relationship, building on commitments made during the November 2023 Woodside Summit in California, where Biden and Xi pledged to tackle pressing global challenges, including the fentanyl crisis.

A senior administration official noted that these discussions represent a “strategic level of communication,” focusing on specific policy details that require thorough examination. Sullivan had previously met with Wang ahead of the Biden-Xi summit, and both leaders are expected to attend the 2024 G20 summit in Brazil.

The need to clarify any misunderstandings and avoid escalating competition into conflict was emphasized by a senior White House official. This highlights the importance of constructive dialogue.

Earlier meetings had already addressed issues such as AI collaboration, counternarcotics strategies, and the implications of Chinese technology access for Russia.

Discussions on August 28 also included collaboration on law enforcement efforts to manage undocumented migrants, an issue both nations are keen to address. Sullivan reaffirmed the necessity for tangible actions to combat the climate crisis, with China showing openness for more discussions with senior U.S. climate advisor John Podesta in future talks.

Another critical topic was the resolution of cases involving wrongfully detained American citizens in China. Sullivan reinforced the U.S. commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms during this dialogue.

International stability, particularly concerning the Taiwan Strait, was identified as a pressing issue. Wang reiterated that Taiwan’s independence is viewed as a threat to regional security, warning that any formal declaration of independence could lead to military conflict.

The U.S. has raised concerns regarding China’s financial backing of Russia’s defense sector amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and its potential repercussions for European security.

Throughout the visit, Sullivan maintained the importance of keeping open strategic communication channels. He emphasized Washington’s commitment to high-level diplomacy despite a challenging diplomatic environment.

On regional matters, Sullivan reiterated U.S. military commitments to allies in the Indo-Pacific, while expressing concerns over China’s destabilizing actions affecting lawful operations in the South China Sea.

Despite differences, both nations identified common interests in various global issues, including the situation in Myanmar, turmoil in the Middle East, and the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea.