"Xi Jinping of China Highlights US-China 'Traditional Friendship' in Conversation with Jake Sullivan"
However, Beijing's unexpectedly gentler approach is unlikely to overcome the significant mutual distrust that undermines bilateral relations.
TroibNews 
In a recent dialogue with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a more harmonious relationship between the United States and China, suggesting efforts to halt the recent deterioration in bilateral ties. During the meeting, Xi characterized the U.S.-China connection as having a "traditional friendship" and articulated his desire to "maintain the stability of China-U.S. relations … [and] improve and take forward the relationship," a release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry revealed. Further softening his often reserved demeanor, Xi asked Sullivan to "pass on his regards to President Biden" and showed a "readiness to stay in touch" with the American president.
Xi's change in tone comes amidst numerous contentious issues straining the relationship, including American restrictions on exports of high-tech goods, tensions over Taiwan, China’s support of Russia's actions in Ukraine, and what Sullivan termed as Beijing’s "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea involving the Philippines.
According to the same Chinese Foreign Ministry release, Sullivan reassured Xi of the U.S.'s intention to also seek stable relations with China.
The Biden administration has repeatedly defined its stance towards China as competitive but averse to conflict. However, upcoming U.S. elections have heightened bipartisan scrutiny of China's impact on American security and economic interests.
Sullivan, post-discussion, informed journalists that during his meeting with Xi, he advocated for "de-escalation" in the South China Sea and encouraged "direct discussions" between Beijing and Manila to mitigate tensions there. "Laying down a clear marker that it's unacceptable,” Sullivan expressed his concerns about China possibly disrupting the U.S. electoral process.
Despite Xi’s approach, skepticism about its effectiveness remains, especially following sharper comments from China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier in the week. While not specifically addressing U.S. support for Taiwan, another military leader, General Zhang Youxia criticized perceived "U.S.-Taiwan military collusion".
Moreover, Sullivan mentioned ongoing plans for a phone conversation between Biden and Xi, which might be followed by face-to-face interactions at international summits scheduled later in the year. Sullivan hinted at likely meetings between Xi and Biden at the upcoming APEC and G20 summits.
Additionally, Sullivan highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris's integral role in shaping the U.S. policy towards China, noting her previous engagements with China's top officials and her contribution to the administration's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Harris’s encounters with both Xi and Premier Li Qiang at international summits last year underline her significant familiarity with China’s leadership, positioning her to continue Biden's policies should she assume the presidency.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Xi's change in tone comes amidst numerous contentious issues straining the relationship, including American restrictions on exports of high-tech goods, tensions over Taiwan, China’s support of Russia's actions in Ukraine, and what Sullivan termed as Beijing’s "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea involving the Philippines.
According to the same Chinese Foreign Ministry release, Sullivan reassured Xi of the U.S.'s intention to also seek stable relations with China.
The Biden administration has repeatedly defined its stance towards China as competitive but averse to conflict. However, upcoming U.S. elections have heightened bipartisan scrutiny of China's impact on American security and economic interests.
Sullivan, post-discussion, informed journalists that during his meeting with Xi, he advocated for "de-escalation" in the South China Sea and encouraged "direct discussions" between Beijing and Manila to mitigate tensions there. "Laying down a clear marker that it's unacceptable,” Sullivan expressed his concerns about China possibly disrupting the U.S. electoral process.
Despite Xi’s approach, skepticism about its effectiveness remains, especially following sharper comments from China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier in the week. While not specifically addressing U.S. support for Taiwan, another military leader, General Zhang Youxia criticized perceived "U.S.-Taiwan military collusion".
Moreover, Sullivan mentioned ongoing plans for a phone conversation between Biden and Xi, which might be followed by face-to-face interactions at international summits scheduled later in the year. Sullivan hinted at likely meetings between Xi and Biden at the upcoming APEC and G20 summits.
Additionally, Sullivan highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris's integral role in shaping the U.S. policy towards China, noting her previous engagements with China's top officials and her contribution to the administration's broader Indo-Pacific strategy. Harris’s encounters with both Xi and Premier Li Qiang at international summits last year underline her significant familiarity with China’s leadership, positioning her to continue Biden's policies should she assume the presidency.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
