WASHINGTON: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with the China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna this week, the White House said on Thursday, seeking to maintain communication amid soaring tensions including over Taiwan.
“The two sides had substantive, candid, and constructive discussions on important issues” including the Russia-Ukraine war and “cross-Strait issues,” the statement said.
It added that the two leaders agreed to maintain this important strategic communication channel to advance these objectives. The meeting in Vienna is likely to reignite speculation about a potential meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Asked about the issue Wednesday, Biden said there had been progress. Washington and Beijing historically strained relationship has tightened further over commercial, political and military influence in the Pacific region in recent months.
Security group
The United States has sought leverage through its Quad partnership with India, Japan and Australia. The group denies hostile intentions and stresses that they are not a military alliance, but China has described the grouping as an attempt to encircle it. –AFP
