Beijing and Washington in Talks to Stabilize Relations Amid Rising Tensions

The US and China are planning a phone call between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden. This follows National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, aimed at maintaining high-level communication and stabilizing relations. Key issues include Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cooperation on global challenges.

Beijing and Washington will plan for a phone call in the coming weeks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, the White House said Wednesday after National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Sullivan's first trip to China as national security adviser was aimed at keeping high-level communications open and stabilising bilateral relations to avoid conflict. The White House statement said both sides would keep lines of communication open, including planning for a "leader-level call'' in the coming weeks.

Sullivan planned to meet with China's Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia on Thursday morning. Zhang has spoken in the past of Beijing's determination to take control of Taiwan. He said China's territorial sovereignty "brooks no infringement and its core interests cannot be challenged.

(With inputs from agencies.)