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President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to have a telephone conversation in the near future, as announced by the White House on Wednesday. This follows meetings between top US and Chinese officials in Beijing.
The discussions took place between US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi, China’s top foreign policy official, over two days in Beijing. These talks are part of a strategic channel established to stabilize relations and facilitate discussions on sensitive topics such as Taiwan.
Prior to Sullivan’s visit to Beijing, a US official mentioned the possibility of another meeting between the two leaders before Biden’s term ends. This option has become viable since Biden withdrew from the current presidential race. Potential meeting locations include the Apec forum in Peru or the G20 summit in Brazil, both scheduled for November after the US election.
Sullivan and Wang have had four meetings since May 2023, in various locations including Vienna, Malta, Washington, and Bangkok. The discreet nature of these meetings allows for uninterrupted discussions on strategic issues.
The White House reported that the talks in Beijing were open and constructive, covering bilateral, regional, and global issues. Plans are in place for a call between Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, and his Chinese counterpart. This communication channel was agreed upon during a meeting between Xi and Biden last November.
Topics discussed during the meetings included progress on agreements reached at the Biden-Xi summit, such as China’s commitment to combat the export of fentanyl ingredients. The importance of addressing the climate crisis through tangible actions was also highlighted.
However, Sullivan emphasized the US’s commitment to safeguarding national security by preventing the misuse of advanced technologies, while maintaining trade and investment opportunities.
Concerns were raised about maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, and its actions in the South China Sea. Some experts speculate that Sullivan may meet with Xi Jinping on Thursday, following Wang’s meeting with Biden last October.
Chinese state media mentioned a potential upcoming interaction between the two heads of state. Wang emphasized China’s commitment to world peace and urged the US to view China beyond a dominating perspective. Sullivan reiterated the possibility of competition and cooperation between the two countries.
Wang warned about the risks of Taiwanese independence and reiterated China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea islands. He called on the US to refrain from supporting the Philippines’ activities in the area, where tensions have risen over Manila’s attempts to resupply troops at Second Thomas Shoal. The international tribunal has rejected China’s claims of sovereignty in the region.
During Thursday’s meeting, Sullivan and General Zhang Youxia of China’s Central Military Commission acknowledged progress in their military communications over the past 10 months.