US and China Strengthen Military Communication to Prevent Conflict

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with top Chinese military officials in an effort to improve communication and prevent conflicts over the South China Sea and Taiwan. This meeting aims to stabilize US-China relations ahead of a potential change in the US presidency. Future interactions between the two nations' leaders are planned.

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Thursday with a top Chinese military official in a bid to enhance communication and prevent conflicts over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

This crucial meeting occurred one day after the White House announced plans for an upcoming phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.

Sullivan's visit, his first as national security adviser, aimed to stabilize bilateral relations. His primary discussions were with Wang Yi, the foreign minister and the ruling Communist Party's top foreign policy official.

Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of two vice-chairs of the Central Military Commission, met Sullivan and noted the importance of military security relations. A White House statement highlighted progress in military communications and announced plans for upcoming theatre-level calls between military commanders.

China had suspended military communication following a visit by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022, but talks have gradually resumed after Xi and Biden's meeting in November. The planned theatre-level dialogue is seen as crucial for crisis prevention.

Both sides aim to maintain open lines of communication and are planning for a leader-level call in the coming weeks. It's yet unclear if Xi and Biden will meet in person before Biden leaves office.

(With inputs from agencies.)