Top Chinese and U.S. Officials Eye High-Level Talks Amid Tensions

Chinese and U.S. officials are discussing potential high-level meetings between their heads of state. They aim to ease tensions over issues like Taiwan, trade, and the South China Sea. The talks also cover military communication, drug controls, and AI safety standards. Both sides emphasize equal treatment for smooth relations.

Top Chinese and U.S. officials have initiated discussions to arrange high-level talks between their heads of state, according to Chinese state media. This announcement came after China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, met with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Beijing.

The officials also agreed on conducting video calls between their military theater commanders at a future date, a move that Washington hopes will prevent conflicts, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. Wang emphasized the importance of equality between the two nations for smooth interactions.

Sullivan's visit, aimed at easing tensions ahead of the upcoming U.S. election, includes talks on trade, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Chinese territorial claims. China urges the U.S. to cease arming Taiwan and to lift tariffs. The talks will continue through Thursday, with significant global and bilateral implications.

(With inputs from agencies.)