U.S. National Security Adviser Meets Top Chinese Military Official Amid Rising Tensions

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Chinese military official General Zhang Youxia to discuss easing tensions and enhancing military communications. This historic meeting marks the first between a Biden administration official and a vice chair of China's Central Military Commission since 2018. The talks aim to manage U.S.-China relations responsibly.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan wrapped up a significant three days of discussions in Beijing by meeting with General Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese military official and vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission. The meeting, heralded as a major step in easing tensions between the two superpowers, focused on enhancing military-to-military communications, according to White House officials.

This marks the first such meeting between a Biden administration official and a vice chair of the Central Military Commission since 2018, signaling the importance the U.S. places on military security and bilateral relations. General Zhang, believed to be close to Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed the value of the meeting, which took place at the People's Liberation Army's headquarters, the Ba Yi Building.

Sullivan and General Zhang discussed an array of critical issues, including U.S.-China relations, Middle East and Ukraine, Chinese territorial claims, and trade. The discussions, characterized as 'candid, substantive, and constructive' by the White House, are part of President Biden's larger strategy of direct diplomacy to stabilize tensions. Sullivan also plans further talks with China's top diplomat Wang Yi to address pressing global and bilateral concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)