U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27 to 29 at the invitation of Wang Yi, China’s senior diplomat, marking the first visit to the Chinese mainland by a U.S. National Security Advisor in eight years.
The trip comes at what Beijing describes as a “critical juncture” to “stabilize” the relationship between the two largest economies in the world. Beijing has called the upcoming visit “an important step” towards implementing the common understandings reached by the two presidents during their meeting in San Francisco.
“After San Francisco, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, and climate teams and the militaries of the two sides have maintained communication, and the exchanges between the two peoples have increased. Meanwhile, the United States has kept containing and suppressing China,” read a statement published on China’s Foreign Ministry official social media account.
“Against this backdrop, Director Wang Yi will have an in-depth exchange of views with NSA Sullivan on China-U.S. relations, sensitive issues, and major international and regional hotspots,” the statement added.
Taiwan Question Remains the ‘First and Foremost Red Line’
The statement emphasized that the Taiwan question is the “first and foremost red line” that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. China reiterated its resolute stance on the island, calling “Taiwan independence” the biggest risk to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing urged Washington to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and to honor its commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence.” China expressed hope that the U.S. could work in the same direction and take more measures to facilitate the flow of people between the two countries.
On Palestine-Israel Conflict, China Hopes for Early Ceasefire
The statement also reiterated China’s stance on the Middle East, promising commitment to “promoting peace and justice” and supporting all parties in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, especially the restoration of the legitimate national rights of Palestine.
“The immediate priority is that all parties to the conflict must earnestly implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and create conditions for an early comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement said, adding that China hopes the U.S. will adopt “a responsible position.”
Regarding Ukraine, China stated it will continue to promote peace talks, work for political settlement, and carry out mediation diplomacy, while warning the U.S. against “abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.”
China Seeks ‘Peaceful Development,’ Not Competition with the U.S.
Beijing stressed its firm determination for “peaceful development and win-win cooperation.”
“China has all along believed that major-country competition is not the solution to the problems facing the United States or the world,” the statement read, adding that it will defend the UN-centered international system and international order.
“China does not follow the old path of Western colonization and plundering, nor the wrong path of seeking hegemony with growing strength. Nor does it seek to export its ideology,” it said.
(Cover image: Flags of China and the U.S. /CFP)
Reference(s):
China says relationship with U.S. at critical time to be 'stabilized'
cgtn.com
