U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Meets with Chinese Military Leader to Strengthen Communication Amid Tensions

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of communication between the military forces of both nations. This meeting, part of Sullivan’s three-day visit to Beijing, aimed at stabilizing the increasingly strained U.S.-China relations.

During the talks, Sullivan stressed the need for both countries to manage their competition to prevent it from escalating into conflict. The White House reported that the discussions acknowledged progress toward establishing regular military communications over the past 10 months, with plans for a future theater commander telephone call.

Zhang, who ranks second in command of the Chinese armed forces after President Xi Jinping, reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, stating it as a “red line” in China-U.S. relations. He urged the U.S. to cease military collaboration with Taiwan and stop spreading “false narratives” about the island.

Sullivan also highlighted U.S. concerns over freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and China’s alleged support for Russia’s defense sector, a claim Beijing has denied. The talks also covered issues like cybersecurity, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the importance of avoiding miscalculations.

The meeting followed discussions between Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where they talked about U.S. commitments to Indo-Pacific allies and China’s actions in the South China Sea. The possibility of a future call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping was also discussed.