Jake Sullivan's Strategic Visit to China: A Diplomatic Tightrope

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit China next week for crucial discussions with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. The visit is aimed at easing U.S.-China tensions ahead of the U.S. election. Topics include Taiwan, military talks, the fentanyl crisis, and China's support for Russia's defense industry.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is set to visit China next week for talks with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi. Aimed at mitigating U.S.-China tensions as the U.S. election approaches, Sullivan will discuss a variety of crucial issues, including Taiwan, military dialogues, and the fentanyl crisis.

This trip marks Sullivan's first visit to China since his appointment, and it's the first visit by a U.S. national security adviser since Susan Rice's trip in 2016. The visit comes ahead of the U.S. presidential election where U.S.-China competition is a key concern. Axios reports that Sullivan and Wang may lay groundwork for a future meeting between President Biden and Xi Jinping.

The visit also coincides with Washington imposing sanctions on over 400 entities for supporting Russia in Ukraine. A senior U.S. official emphasized that the visit aims to clear up misperceptions and avoid conflicts, indicating Sullivan will push for military talks resumption and discuss concerns about Taiwan. The fentanyl crisis and Middle East instability will also be key topics.

(With inputs from agencies.)