Dear Focus Reader,

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing this week in a series of six rounds of talks, marking continued efforts to prioritize dialogue in the China-U.S. relationship. Over the course of Sullivan's trip, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, including plans for a call between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in the near future.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues from bilateral to global concerns, including military-to-military communications, climate change, and the reduction of illicit synthetic drug flows. Sullivan reiterated Washington's commitment to preventing the misuse of advanced technologies while addressing concerns about China's trade policies. He also touched on global security issues, expressing concerns over China's support for Russia's defense sector and actions in the South China Sea.

Wang used the talks to underscore four critical "red lines" in its relations with the United States: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, development paths and systems, and development rights. He expressed deep concerns and issued clear demands on these issues, particularly highlighting Taiwan as the foremost non-negotiable boundary in China-U.S. relations.

President Xi Jinping also met with Sullivan, where he said China's "commitment to the goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged." Additionally, Sullivan held a meeting with Central Military Commission vice chairman Gen. Zhang Youxia – the first meeting between a U.S. official and a Chinese military figure in that role since 2018.

These meetings follow a series of strategic communications aimed at implementing the commitments made during last year's Woodside Summit and preparing for future high-level exchanges. While the discussions are not expected to yield significant immediate breakthroughs, they are seen as essential steps in maintaining stability in U.S.-China relations, especially as both countries navigate pressing global and domestic challenges.