US National Security Advisor Conducts Infrequent Meeting With High-Ranking Military Official in China
In 2016, the last time a US national security advisor met with their Chinese counterpart was when Susan Rice held the role in the Obama administration.
US national security advisor Jake Sullivan recently met with a senior Chinese military official in an effort to manage tensions between China and US treaty allies in the region.
Sullivan’s meeting with General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) – China’s top military body led by CCP leader Xi Jinping – focused on preventing competition from escalating into conflict.
Both nations acknowledged the importance of regular military communications to maintain high-level diplomacy and open lines of communication.
This meeting marked a rare engagement between China and the United States, following the 2016 meeting between Susan Rice and Fan Changlong.
Sullivan emphasized the importance of responsible management of the US-China relationship, which Zhang also highlighted in his remarks about exchanging views on mutual concerns.
Sullivan and Zhang addressed China’s tensions with Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, US freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and plans for a theater commander phone call.
They also discussed Gaza, concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, and the importance of avoiding miscalculations in cyberspace.
Sullivan stressed the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Prior to meeting Zhang, Sullivan had lengthy talks with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, where Wang urged the US to stop supporting Taiwan and claimed Taiwan belongs to China.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry released a statement criticizing Wang’s claims, stating that China’s actions pose risks to regional peace and stability.
The Philippines has been protesting China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, prompting a call to review the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The Philippines emphasized the need to engage allies against China’s aggressive actions in the region.
Reuters contributed to the report.
