U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan embarked on a crucial visit to Beijing this week to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in an effort to ease tensions between the two global powers ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. The goal of Sullivan’s visit is not only to manage current disagreements but also to lay the groundwork for an anticipated final summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping before Biden’s term ends in January.
The meeting between Sullivan and Wang is significant as it marks an attempt to address the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship, which has faced challenges due to trade disputes, human rights concerns, and Beijing’s growing ties with Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both sides are expected to engage in discussions covering various areas of agreement and disagreement that require effective management and substantive solutions.
The main focus of Sullivan’s visit is to reestablish mutual communication channels that have been strained in recent years. U.S. officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue with China, despite the competitive nature of the relationship. The discussions between Sullivan and Wang are expected to touch upon bilateral issues, global challenges, regional dynamics, and cross-strait relations.
While the visit is not likely to result in a major breakthrough, it could pave the way for a final summit between Biden and Xi, potentially during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru or the G20 summit in Brazil in November. Despite Biden’s status as a “lame duck” president, Chinese leaders are keen on engaging with him to ensure continuity in U.S. foreign policy towards China.
Wesley Alexander Hill, lead analyst at the International Tax and Investment Center, noted the bipartisan consensus in the U.S. regarding China, suggesting that Biden’s lame-duck status may not hinder potential discussions with Chinese leaders. The Biden administration has largely maintained the core tenets of Trump’s policies towards China, emphasizing the need for strategic continuity in managing the bilateral relationship.
The visit by Sullivan is not explicitly linked to the upcoming U.S. election, as U.S. officials have underscored the importance of addressing current challenges and opportunities in the U.S.-China relationship before the end of the year. Neysun Mahboubi, director of the Penn Project on the Future of U.S.-China Relations, emphasized that the final meeting between Biden and Xi is not merely a formality, regardless of the election outcome.
The imposition of sanctions by the U.S. on individuals and entities, including Chinese entities, for supporting Russia in circumventing sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine has further complicated the U.S.-China dynamic. China has condemned these sanctions as illegal and unilateral, arguing that they disrupt international trade norms and impact global economic stability.
As Sullivan engages in discussions with Chinese officials, the focus remains on managing the competitive aspects of the U.S.-China relationship while preventing escalation into conflict. Both sides are expected to address key issues such as China’s support for Russia, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and broader global challenges including North Korea, the Middle East, Myanmar, and Taiwan.
The upcoming summit between Biden and Xi holds significance for shaping the future trajectory of U.S.-China relations, particularly in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics and economic interdependencies. The outcome of their meeting could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global governance, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
In conclusion, Sullivan’s visit to China serves as a critical step in managing the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship and laying the groundwork for a potential final summit between Biden and Xi. The discussions between the two sides are expected to address a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, with a focus on enhancing communication and cooperation while navigating areas of disagreement. As the U.S. and China navigate their competitive relationship, the outcome of these meetings will shape the future dynamics of global politics and economic governance.
