US, China Push For “Stable” Bilateral Ties Before Joe Biden’s Exit But Taiwan Remains “Red Line”

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with the US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in a surprise meeting in Beijing on August 29. Sullivan’s was in the Chinese capital for three days to ease a rivalry that shows no signs of relenting. The meeting came after days of talks between Sullivan and senior Communist party officials including the foreign minister Wang Yi. It was Sullivan’s first visit to Beijing as national security adviser amid efforts to ease the tensions between the two countries. Xi touted thecountries’ “traditional friendship” and told Sullivan that Beijing wants to “maintain the stability of China-US relations. ”Sullivan reportedly told Xi that Joe Biden was committed to avoid conflict and “looks forward to engaging with you in coming weeks.” The White House said Sullivan and Xi also discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine, the South China Sea, and implementation of bilateral commitments. During his visit, Sullivan has reportedly managed to secure what is being called “one last call” between the Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. The White House said in a statement that US and China officials are planning a phone call between the 2 leaders in the coming weeks.