As US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare for a much-anticipated summit in San Francisco on the sidelines of the APEC Leadership meeting, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a cautionary note, stating that the United States-China relationship could easily veer towards conflict if not well managed.
Sullivan emphasized that President Biden and his team have the opportunity to engage in discussions on crucial issues such as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted the importance of effective diplomacy in managing complex and competitive aspects of the relationship, citing the potential for conflict or confrontation if not handled prudently.
During the upcoming summit, the leaders are expected to discuss fundamental elements of the bilateral relationship, including communication, responsible competition, and the importance of delivering tangible progress on shared interests. Sullivan expressed hope for progress on issues like fentanyl and stressed the need for intense diplomacy to clear up misperceptions and avoid surprises.
Addressing the complexity of the relationship, Sullivan noted that both countries must be able to speak directly to each other on critical issues, even in moments of crisis, citing President Biden’s candid conversations with President Xi about military support to Russia during the Ukraine crisis.
Sullivan highlighted the importance of open lines of communication and managing competition responsibly to achieve a constructive relationship. He mentioned recent interactions between US and Chinese officials, emphasizing the groundwork laid by President Biden to position the United States for effective competition globally.
As the leaders prepare for the summit, Sullivan characterized it as an important moment to establish a basis for future interactions, moving beyond a one-off meeting. The focus remains on building a foundation that allows both nations to compete effectively while addressing key priorities for their respective populations.
Read Now:Choking on Smog: Delhi Tops Global Air Pollution Chart as Diwali Celebrations Worsen Crisis
