U.S. and China Hold High-Stakes Military Talks in Beijing

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan meets Chinese military officials, aiming to improve military communications and calm tensions between the two nations. Key topics include military cooperation, territorial claims, trade issues, and upcoming U.S. elections. Talks also cover global security, artificial intelligence, and drug overdose prevention.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's top military officials on Thursday, concluding three days of talks in Beijing focused on easing tensions between the two superpowers. Sullivan is poised to advocate for enhanced military-to-military communications when he meets General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

It marks the first encounter between Zhang and a Biden administration official. Zhang, who is reputed to be close to Xi, has remained unscathed amid internal military upheavals. Sullivan will continue discussions with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, aiming to diffuse tensions ahead of the Nov. 5 U.S. elections.

Teams from both sides convened at a private resort near Beijing, addressing contrasting positions on the Middle East, Ukraine, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and trade issues. In lengthy meetings Wednesday, potential talks between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, as well as improved communication between their military commands, were discussed.

Commenting on the significance of the discussions, Wang told Sullivan, according to state broadcaster CCTV, that equality is key to smooth U.S.-China interaction. The White House described the exchanges as candid, substantive, and constructive.

In the final months of his presidency, Biden has emphasized direct diplomacy to influence Xi and manage tensions. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election, would likely continue this strategy. However, analysts aligned with Republican candidate Donald Trump argue this approach is too lenient given China's assertive foreign policy.

The U.S. is also urging China to take steps at home to prevent the manufacture of chemicals used to create fentanyl and to agree on safety standards for artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Beijing plans to voice its opposition to U.S. tariffs on manufactured goods and export controls aimed at Chinese chipmakers, and assert its claims over Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)