Biden adviser Sullivan holds ‘uncommon’ talks with high Chinese language military official | Politics Information

US nationwide safety adviser and Basic Zhang Youxia conflict over Taiwan however prepare army talks to defuse tensions.

The USA nationwide safety adviser has held wide-ranging talks with a high Chinese language army official in Beijing, wrapping up a three-day journey aimed toward strengthening communication between the superpowers on a spread of points.

Jake Sullivan met Basic Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Navy Fee, on Thursday, as China is embroiled in safety rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines.

The NSA raised factors reminiscent of “stability” within the Taiwan Strait, “US dedication to freedom of navigation within the South China Sea”, China’s assist for “Russia’s defence industrial base” and ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire deal within the Gaza Strip, in line with a White Home assertion.

On Taiwan, Zhang warned that the standing of the self-ruled island was “the primary pink line that can’t be crossed in China-US relations”.

The independence of Taiwan and “peace and stability” within the Taiwan Strait have been “incompatible”, he mentioned, in line with a readout from China’s Ministry of Nationwide Protection.

“China calls for that the US halts army collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives associated to Taiwan,” Zhang added.

Earlier than the talks, Zhang had praised the US for the worth it positioned on “army safety and our military-to-military relationship”.

“It’s uncommon that we have now the chance to have this sort of trade,” Sullivan advised Zhang in response.

The 2 officers organized for extra direct army talks between commanders sooner or later.

Defuse tensions

Sullivan’s assembly with Zhang follows his talks on Wednesday with China’s International Minister Wang Yi, wherein he reportedly sought to calm tensions between the nations forward of the US presidential election on November 5.

Wang and Sullivan mentioned the prospect of talks quickly between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese language counterpart, Xi Jinping, overlaying a broad agenda that featured contrasting views on commerce, the Center East and Ukraine, and Chinese language territorial claims from Taiwan to the South China Sea.

A number of nations within the area keep competing territorial claims to the waters of the South China Sea. China, nevertheless, claims virtually your complete space.

The White Home mentioned Sullivan had “reaffirmed america’ dedication to defending its Indo-Pacific allies”, referring specifically to China’s “destabilising actions towards lawful Philippine maritime operations”.

Chinese language state media reported that Wang issued a warning to Washington.

“The USA should not use bilateral treaties as an excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor ought to it assist or condone the Philippines’ actions of infringement,” Wang advised Sullivan, in line with state broadcaster CCTV.

Makes an attempt at nearer cooperation between the 2 nations come after China suspended communication between the 2 militaries after senior US lawmaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.

Talks have been solely regularly resumed greater than a yr later, after Xi and Biden met at a summit exterior San Francisco final November.