Sullivan met with Xi Jinping, among issues discussed was war in Ukraine

According to the White House, the meeting was part of efforts to maintain communication channels and responsibly manage relations between the US and the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Key topics discussed included:

• Further implementation of commitments made by US President Joe Biden and Xi Jinping during their summit in Woodside in November 2023, including issues such as combating narcotics, military communications, and artificial intelligence;
• The full-scale war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
• The South China Sea.

Additionally, the parties discussed planning a phone call between President Biden and President Xi in the coming weeks.

China's perspective

The meeting between Sullivan and Xi Jinping took place in Beijing. Xi emphasized that in the face of a changing international situation, countries need to unite and cooperate.

"Xi stressed that when dealing with two major powers, it is first necessary to establish the correct strategic understanding and, above all, to answer the fundamental question of whether China and the US are rivals or partners," stated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese leader added that China's policy towards the US remains consistent, but Beijing is committed to the healthy development of relations and mutual respect to continue the "traditional friendship between the peoples."

US-China relations

Relations between the US and China have significantly deteriorated compared to the beginning of the last decade. In 2019, tensions escalated due to the trade war initiated by then-US President Donald Trump. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated relations as the US accused China of inadequate response to the virus outbreak.

In response to China's expanding nuclear capabilities, US President Joe Biden recently approved and strengthened a new nuclear strategy for the United States.