Sullivan’s visit to Beijing marks a critical juncture in US-China relations, with tensions flaring over Taiwan, technology, and geopolitical disputes.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit as the world’s two largest economies try to manage their rivalry through dialogue.
Sullivan landed in Beijing on Tuesday, becoming the first US national security adviser to visit China since 2016. He is set to meet Wang Yi, the country’s top diplomat, for two days of talks and meals on the outskirts of Beijing.
The goal of Sullivan’s visit, who will stay until Thursday, is to try to sustain communication in a relationship that broke down for the better part of a year in 2022-23 and was only patched back together after several months.Sullivan and Wang have met in person every few months as part of Biden’s effort to maintain open lines of communication, despite tensions with China.
Historically, China has shown willingness to collaborate with US national security advisors given their closeness with the President. The advisors act as key decision makers, who can negotiate without the media spotlight faced by the secretary of state or top leadership.
Agendas to be discussed
Growing Chinese aggression towards Taiwan
A US official told AFP that Washington would press Beijing on its increasing “military, diplomatic, and economic pressure” on Taiwan, which China has not ruled out “unifying” through force.
Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration this year, China has conducted “punishment” drills throughout Taiwan. The Chinese military sent heavily equipped jets and staged mock attacks shortly after Taiwan Lai, whom Beijing considers a separatist, took power.
Chinese incursions in the South China Sea
The meetings are expected to be contentious, since China has recently engaged in security disputes with two of Washington’s important allies in the Indo-Pacific region: Japan and the Philippines.
On Monday (August 26), Tokyo accused Beijing of a “serious violation” of its sovereignty after a Chinese military plane “violated” its airspace. Following the event, Japan dispatched fighter aircraft.
The next day, the Philippine defence chief called Beijing the “biggest disruptor” of peace in Southeast Asia. The statement came after a week of clashes between the two countries’ ships near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea.
Beijing’s Support for Moscow
Sullivan is anticipated to emphasize Washington’s concerns regarding Beijing’s ongoing support for Moscow, particularly in light of the significant expansion of Russia’s defense industry following the invasion of Ukraine.
In response, China has consistently argued that, unlike the United States, it does not provide direct military aid to any party involved in the conflict.
Trade and Technology
According to AFP, the US official was quoted saying, “We are committed to making the investments, strengthening our alliances, and taking the common steps on tech and national security that we need to take.” She was referring to the broad limitations on US technology transfers to China placed under President Joe Biden.
Beijing has long complained about the United States’ efforts to block off China’s access to advanced technology, especially semiconductors, as well as the White House’s efforts to collaborate with allies on security and economic matters. Just hours before Sullivan landed in Beijing, Canada placed duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, aluminium, and steel.
Possible meeting between Xi and Biden
According to the South China Morning Post, citing Chinese analysts, “the odds are very high, but expectations are low” for a summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Sullivan’s visit occurs just months ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November, where Vice President Kamala Harris will be running against former President Donald Trump.
According to Bloomberg News, which cited a senior U.S. official who requested anonymity, Sullivan will make it clear that he does not represent the future administration, regardless of the election results.
Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international affairs at Shanghai’s East China Normal University, said that the White House official is most likely attempting to “Trump-proof” the groundwork he has set to normalize relations with China.
“Sullivan wants to consolidate now,” he said, “and do so in ways that withstand a new administration and without provoking an unacceptable conflict in the meantime.”
China’s Foreign Ministry recently stated that relations with the United States remain at “a critical juncture.” While acknowledging ongoing discussions on climate and other issues, the ministry accused the U.S. of persisting in efforts to constrain and suppress China.
