On August 27 and 28, US National Security Advisor Sullivan, who is visiting China, met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi. According to statements released by the White House and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides had divergent views on issues such as the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and economic and trade matters. However, both Sullivan and Wang Yi discussed the initiation of a new round of leader-level interactions in the near future.
The statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the two sides discussed the recent initiation of a new round of interactions between the leaders of both countries, but did not specify the form these interactions would take.
Meanwhile, according to the White House’s statement, Sullivan and Wang Yi welcomed the efforts being made to maintain open communication channels, including plans for a leader-level call in the coming weeks.
The White House statement also highlighted the importance of regular and continuous communication between the military forces, with plans for a future telephone conference among regional commanders.
During the meeting, Sullivan emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as stated in the US statement.
In contrast, Wang Yi reiterated China’s stance on reunifying Taiwan and called on the US to cease arming Taiwan, as per the Chinese statement.
Sullivan reiterated the US commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies and expressed concerns over what the US considers China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, particularly regarding the Philippines.
Wang Yi affirmed China’s steadfast commitment to its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, cautioning against actions that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including support for any wrongful acts by the Philippines.
The reference to the “bilateral treaty” by Wang Yi pertains to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signed between the US and the Philippines in 1951, which outlines mutual actions in case of armed attacks on their territories in the Pacific region.
Tensions in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines have escalated recently, prompting the US to voice its support for the Philippines and mentioning the US-Philippines MDT.
A day before Wang Yi’s statement, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, deemed the escort of Philippines vessels by US warships in the South China Sea for resupply missions a “wholly appropriate option.”
Sullivan and Wang Yi engaged in candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on “a series of bilateral, regional, and global issues,” as outlined in the US statement.
Sullivan raised concerns over China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security, as mentioned in the US statement.
On China’s end, Wang Yi asserted China’s efforts towards peace promotion and political resolution of the crisis in Ukraine, emphasizing that the US should not shift responsibilities to China or impose unilateral sanctions unjustly.
The discussion also involved topics concerning North Korea, Myanmar, and the Middle East.
Sullivan reiterated that resolving cases of wrongful detention or barred exit of US citizens in China remains a top priority, underscoring the US’s longstanding commitment to universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The US pointed out its continued concern over China’s alleged unfair trade practices and non-market economic behaviors to Wang Yi.
In response to US restrictions on exporting advanced technology to China, Wang Yi hinted at China’s displeasure, urging the US to cease suppressing China in economic, trade, and technological fields to safeguard its legitimate interests.
Sullivan, on the other hand, assured Wang Yi that the US would take necessary actions to prevent its advanced technology from being misused to compromise national security without overly restricting trade or investment.
The joint statement from the White House highlighted discussions on combating the flow of illegal synthetic drugs, continuing repatriation of undocumented immigrants, and advancing enforcement cooperation. They emphasized the importance of taking concrete measures to address the climate crisis.