National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Outlines U.S.-China Relations at Press Conference

In a recent press conference in Beijing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden's commitment to managing the U.S.-China relationship responsibly. Sullivan emphasized that U.S. diplomacy aims to advance American interests while avoiding conflict through careful management.

Sullivan's visit to China was a key component of this diplomatic effort, marking his first trip there as National Security Advisor. During his 14-hour series of meetings with Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Sullivan addressed various issues ranging from counternarcotics to military communications and global concerns like the Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

The discussions highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges. Key topics included the implementation of commitments related to synthetic drug control, military-to-military communication improvements, and upcoming AI safety talks. Sullivan also reiterated U.S. concerns about China's unfair trade practices, support for Russia’s defense capabilities, and human rights issues, including the cases of wrongful detentions of American citizens in China.

Sullivan stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed U.S. support for Indo-Pacific allies amid tensions in the South China Sea. He noted that direct discussions between the U.S. and China would continue, aiming to manage disputes responsibly and prevent escalation.

Regarding the U.S. election and potential future administration changes, Sullivan did not engage in discussions about election outcomes but reiterated the U.S. stance against foreign interference in its elections.

Sullivan also addressed concerns about recent Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, clarifying that the U.S. was not involved in Canada's decision. On the topic of tech restrictions, he described the U.S. approach as one of "de-risking" rather than decoupling, emphasizing that targeted restrictions are necessary to protect national security.

Looking ahead, Sullivan anticipates continued high-level diplomacy, potentially including meetings between Presidents Biden and Xi at upcoming international summits. He emphasized the need for ongoing, detailed diplomatic engagement to manage the U.S.-China relationship effectively.

Overall, Sullivan’s visit underscored the Biden administration’s focus on maintaining stability and managing competition with China through sustained and nuanced diplomacy.