BEIJING, China: The United States and China are gearing up for a significant diplomatic phone call between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, expected to occur in the coming weeks.
This planned discussion follows a two-day meeting in Beijing between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which took place at Yanqi Lake on August 27-28.
The upcoming call aims to address pressing issues before the US presidential elections in November.
During their recent talks, Sullivan and Wang engaged in thorough discussions on various topics, including bilateral relations, regional dynamics, and global concerns.
They underscored the importance of maintaining the strategic communication channels established over the past 18 months. Their dialogue emphasized the continuation of high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations to implement agreements from the previous Woodside Summit in California, held in November 2023.
Key issues discussed included counter-narcotics efforts, enhancing military communications, and mitigating risks associated with Artificial Intelligence. Both sides addressed steps to curb the flow of synthetic drugs and improve law enforcement cooperation.
They also highlighted the urgency of tackling the climate crisis, with further discussions planned during an upcoming visit by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.
Sullivan reiterated the US’s stance on preventing the misuse of advanced technologies for national security while also addressing concerns about China’s trade practices. The resolution of cases involving American citizens wrongfully detained in China and the US’s commitment to universal human rights were emphasized as priorities.
Additionally, Sullivan expressed concerns about Chinese support for Russia’s defence industry and its implications for European security. He also reiterated the US’s commitment to Indo-Pacific allies and criticized China’s maritime actions in the South China Sea.
The meeting marked the fifth strategic dialogue between Sullivan and Wang since May 2023 and was notable as the first visit by a US National Security Advisor to China in eight years.
Sullivan also met with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, on August 29, focusing on preventing competition from escalating into conflict. Both nations acknowledged progress in military communications and planned a future phone call between theatre commanders.
Overall, the upcoming Biden-Xi phone call and the ongoing dialogues underscore the importance of continued engagement to address complex global issues and manage the strategic competition between the two powers.
