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As the US presidential election approaches in November, the Biden administration seems to be conscious of the need to manage US-China relations. It is likely that they will urge China to prevent high-intensity provocations before the election, including North Korea’s nuclear tests.
According to the White House, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit Beijing next week to discuss bilateral relations, international issues, and North Korea with Chinese officials. This visit is part of efforts to maintain strategic communication channels for responsible management of the relationship between the two countries.
During his visit, Sullivan is expected to meet with Wang Yi, a leading figure in Chinese diplomacy, to discuss various issues, including drug cooperation, military communication, AI safety, and risks. Additionally, Sullivan will address concerns about China’s support for Russia’s military industry and the South China Sea issue.
Furthermore, discussions are expected to cover global issues such as North Korea, the Middle East, Myanmar, and the Taiwan Strait. The meeting will also address the revised US nuclear weapons operating guidelines in response to China’s rapid nuclear weapons expansion plans.
US officials aim to manage competition with China responsibly and prevent the relationship from deteriorating into conflict. They view the Sullivan-Wang Yi channel, which has been activated four times in the past year and a half in Vienna, Malta, and Bangkok, as crucial for responsible management of competition and tension between the two countries.
The most recent face-to-face meeting between the two took place in Bangkok at the end of January. Sending President Biden’s top foreign policy advisor to China 70 days before the November election is seen as a way to counter Chinese interference in US elections and manage conflicts with China before the election.
In a similar vein, Sullivan is expected to request that China exert its influence on North Korea to prevent high-intensity provocations such as nuclear tests before the US election to avoid affecting the outcome.
US officials emphasized that the upcoming meeting will focus on current issues and topics, with a particular emphasis on managing the relationship. They believe there is much that can be accomplished in managing the relationship by the end of the year.
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