Top Biden aide visits China to reinforce US strategy

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, has embarked on a visit to Beijing on August 27, aiming to address key issues in the US-China relationship before the Biden administration concludes. 

This marks Sullivan’s fifth meeting with China’s senior foreign policy official, Wang Yi, in less than 18 months, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During this visit, Sullivan plans to discuss several contentious topics, including efforts to limit fentanyl trafficking, enhancing high-level military communications, and reaffirming the US stance on Taiwan and China’s support for Russia. 

The Biden administration is keen to reinforce its China strategy amidst uncertainties about future American foreign policy.

China is expected to voice its concerns during the talks, particularly regarding US support for Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, and US restrictions on technology exports to China. Beijing seeks to ease pressure from Washington, hoping to smooth relations with the incoming US administration.

The possibility of a meeting between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping might arise during Sullivan’s visit, though it remains unclear if such a meeting will occur. Recent media reports suggest that Ukraine plans to present a list of targets to the Biden administration to persuade the US to lift restrictions on weapon use, a factor that may influence the discussions.

Sullivan's visit is also expected to address the broader geopolitical issues affecting US-China relations, including China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and its own growing aggression towards Taiwan. The Chinese government has criticized US support for Taiwan and the impact of American technology controls, which are seen as stifling China's technological advancement.

The potential for a final summit between Biden and Xi before the end of Biden’s term remains uncertain. If a direct meeting is not feasible, the leaders might encounter each other at the APEC summit in Peru in November. 

Beijing’s strategic outlook appears focused on preparing for the next US administration, regardless of whether it is led by President Trump or Vice President Harris, both of whom are expected to adopt a tough stance on China.