Sullivan travels to China to discuss upcoming meeting between Biden and Xi Jinping - Axios

According to three sources familiar with the matter, this visit could lay the groundwork for a future meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which might occur later this year.

Sullivan's visit, scheduled for August 27-29, comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and China.

Biden seeks to establish strong bilateral relations with Beijing, although competition with China remains a key element of his foreign policy.

The publication recalls that Sullivan has previously met with Chinese officials in Rome, Luxembourg, Vienna, and Bangkok, where they discussed global military tensions, China's role in the Middle East, and Russia's war against Ukraine. It is also mentioned that a U.S. economic delegation recently visited Beijing to discuss financial stability and global growth.

Sullivan's upcoming visit to China is expected to be an important step in establishing further dialogue between the countries.

US-China relations

Relations between the U.S. and China have significantly worsened compared to the beginning of the last decade. 2019, they deteriorated 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 improper handling of the virus outbreak.

The situation did not improve after Joe Biden's administration came to power in 2021. Strategic competition between the U.S. and China continued, including in areas of new technology development, particularly military initiatives.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. began actively supporting Ukrainians in their fight against the occupiers. However, China has tried to help Russia circumvent Western sanctions and has supported some Kremlin narratives.

Significant events included Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, which provoked a strong reaction from China, and the spy balloon incident in 2023. Despite the tensions, Biden and Xi Jinping met in November last year, attempting to improve bilateral relations. The leaders agreed to resume some communication processes, including military contacts. However, this did not reduce competition and mutual distrust between them.

It is worth noting that due to China's expanding nuclear capabilities, Biden approved a new US nuclear strategy and strengthened it. At the same time, the country is concerned about Russia's active cooperation with China, as well as with Iran and North Korea. This, in particular, allows the aggressor to purchase weapons circumventing sanctions, which are then used against the Ukrainian people.

RBC-Ukraine's article provides more details about Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his path to power.