US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met General Zhang Youxia, a high-ranking Chinese military official, in Beijing on Thursday to address growing tensions between the two nations. This meeting, the first between a senior US official and a vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission since 2018, aimed to enhance military communication channels.
Sullivan and Zhang discussed the importance of military-to-military relations, with Zhang highlighting the significance of the meeting amid current global tensions. Sullivan also planned to meet with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to discuss issues such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Chinese territorial claims.
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The talks come as the US seeks to influence China’s foreign policy and address domestic issues like fentanyl production and AI safety standards. Meanwhile, China aims to express concerns over US tariffs and export controls, and reaffirm its stance on Taiwan.
