In a significant development, the United States and China are preparing for a pivotal phone call between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This conversation, anticipated to occur before the U.S. presidential elections in November, marks a crucial moment in the ongoing effort to manage the complex and often contentious relationship between these two global superpowers. The decision to hold this call was reached during a recent meeting between U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on August 27-28.
The Context of the Planned Call
The upcoming Biden-Xi phone call will be their first direct communication since the leaders met at the Woodside Summit in California in November 2023. This summit was a significant event, underscoring the importance of maintaining high-level dialogue between the U.S. and China. It is a continuation of a series of strategic talks between Sullivan and Wang, aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations and ensuring that competition does not escalate into conflict. This meeting was particularly noteworthy as it marked Sullivan’s first visit to China as National Security Adviser in eight years, highlighting the critical nature of this dialogue.
Strategic and Bilateral Discussions
During the meeting in Beijing, Sullivan and Wang engaged in candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on a wide range of issues that are central to U.S.-China relations. These discussions covered bilateral, regional, and global issues, reflecting the broad scope of interests and concerns that both countries have. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to maintain high-level diplomacy and working-level consultations on an ongoing basis. This commitment underscores the importance of continuous communication, especially in a relationship as complex and multifaceted as that between the U.S. and China.
The two sides also discussed the implementation of commitments made during the Woodside Summit. These include cooperation on counternarcotics, enhancing military-to-military communications, and addressing the safety and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence. These topics are critical not only for the bilateral relationship but also for global stability, given the influence that both the U.S. and China wield on the world stage.
Military and Security Concerns
A significant focus of the discussions was on military and security issues. The two sides agreed to organize a phone conversation between military theater commanders in the near future. This is a crucial step in ensuring that there are clear lines of communication between the military leaders of both countries, which can help to prevent misunderstandings and manage potential conflicts. The importance of these military-to-military communications was emphasized during the meeting, reflecting the recognition of the need for stability in areas where U.S. and Chinese interests intersect, such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
The situation in Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations. Wang Yi reiterated China’s position that Taiwan’s independence poses a significant threat to regional stability. He called on the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan and to support China’s goal of peaceful unification. The U.S., however, has a longstanding commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, as mandated by U.S. law. Sullivan underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, a message that reflects the U.S. stance on supporting Taiwan’s security while seeking to avoid direct confrontation with China.
Trade and Economic Issues
Trade and economic issues also featured prominently in the discussions. The U.S. raised concerns about China’s trade policies and non-market economic practices, which have been a source of tension between the two countries for years. These practices, including state subsidies and market access restrictions, have been criticized by the U.S. as unfair and detrimental to American businesses. On the other hand, China has accused the U.S. of engaging in protectionism and attempting to suppress China’s economic rise.
Sullivan emphasized that while the U.S. seeks to protect its national security interests, it does not intend to unduly restrict trade or investment. This statement reflects the Biden administration’s approach of balancing economic competition with China while maintaining avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as climate change and global economic stability.
Human Rights and Political Freedoms
Human rights and political freedoms are perennial issues in U.S.-China relations, and they were also on the agenda during Sullivan’s visit. The U.S. reiterated its concerns about the treatment of American citizens in China, particularly those who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans. This issue has been a source of tension, with several high-profile cases involving Americans detained in China under ambiguous charges. Sullivan also highlighted the U.S. commitment to universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, principles that are often at odds with China’s internal policies and governance model.
Climate Change and Global Cooperation
Despite the tensions, there are areas where the U.S. and China recognize the need for cooperation, and climate change is one of them. Both countries are major contributors to global carbon emissions, and their collaboration is crucial for any meaningful progress in addressing climate change. During the discussions, both sides underscored the importance of taking concrete steps to tackle the climate crisis. This commitment is expected to be further explored during the upcoming visit of John Podesta, the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, to China.
The Broader Implications
The planned phone call between Biden and Xi is not just about bilateral relations; it has broader implications for global politics and stability. As the world’s two largest economies, the actions and policies of the U.S. and China have far-reaching effects on global markets, international security, and geopolitical dynamics. The willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue and maintain open lines of communication is a positive sign, indicating that despite the differences and challenges, there is a mutual recognition of the importance of managing the relationship responsibly.
Conclusion
The upcoming phone call between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping represents a critical moment in U.S.-China relations. It is an opportunity for both leaders to engage directly on issues of mutual concern, reaffirm their commitment to avoiding conflict, and explore areas for cooperation. The discussions that have taken place between Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi have set the stage for this high-level engagement, highlighting the importance of continuous dialogue in maintaining global stability.
As the world watches, the outcomes of this dialogue will not only shape the future of U.S.-China relations but will also have significant implications for global peace and security. The ability of these two superpowers to manage their differences, find common ground, and work together on global challenges will be a key determinant of the international order in the years to come.
