Biden’s national security adviser holds two days of talks in Malta with China’s foreign minister

President Joe Biden’s national security adviser engaged in a two-day meeting with China’s foreign minister on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Malta. The White House officially stated that this diplomatic effort aimed to “responsibly maintain the relationship” between the United States and China, especially during a period marked by strained ties and mutual suspicion between these two formidable global powers.

The discussions held between Jake Sullivan and Chinese envoy Wang Yi were described by the White House as “candid, substantive, and constructive.” These talks were a part of ongoing efforts by the world’s two largest economies to maintain open lines of communication. Notably, Sullivan and Wang had previously met in May in Vienna for similar discussions, underscoring the significance of their interactions. During their two days in Malta, these high-ranking officials dedicated approximately 12 hours to their deliberations.

While Washington and Beijing maintain a substantial trade partnership, they also view themselves as competitors on the global stage. President Joe Biden recently engaged in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the Group of 20 summit in India, emphasizing the importance of “stability” and stressing that the dialogue was not confrontational in nature.

Biden’s administration has been actively working to strengthen relations with countries like Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, and others as part of an effort to balance China’s influence in the Pacific Region. However, President Biden has consistently clarified that these alliances are not about instigating a “cold war” with China. Instead, the aim is to establish a stable foundation for global economic growth.

Nevertheless, the U.S.-China relationship is beset by competing pressures. The Biden administration has taken measures such as intercepting a Chinese spy balloon over the continental U.S., responding to cyberattacks like the hacking of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s emails, and imposing restrictions on the export of advanced computer chips to China. Additionally, the Chinese economy has faced challenges in its recovery following the pandemic lockdowns, despite the centralization of power by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The discussions between Sullivan and Wang covered a range of critical topics, including the bilateral relationship between the United States and China, global and regional security concerns, Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. They also delved into areas such as artificial intelligence, counternarcotic efforts, and the status of detained U.S. citizens in China. Of particular note, both sides recognized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and committed to maintaining a strategic channel of communication.

There has been speculation about the whereabouts of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who has not been seen in public since August 29. This raises questions, especially following the abrupt removal of Qin Gang as foreign minister in July, after he disappeared from public view earlier in the summer. However, the issue of Li’s whereabouts was not raised during the Sullivan-Wang meeting, as the talks primarily focused on the bilateral relationship.

This meeting took place in the context of President Biden’s participation in the annual gathering of the U.N. General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address the world body and meet with leaders of five Central Asian nations. These interactions are not intended to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region, as Sullivan emphasized. Instead, they aim to promote a positive agenda and cooperation with these countries.

While Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the recent G20 summit in New Delhi and is not expected at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, President Biden has expressed his desire to meet with Xi soon. The two leaders have not spoken since their talks in November of the previous year, according to the White House.

In addition to his discussions with Chinese officials, Sullivan also met with Malta’s prime minister, Robert Abela, where they explored the Mediterranean region’s role in contributing to “global peace and security,” as highlighted in a statement by the Maltese government.

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More about Bilateral Diplomatic Talks

• White House Statement on Sullivan-Wang Meeting
• Biden’s Remarks on U.S.-China Relations
• Geopolitical Tensions in U.S.-China Relations
• U.S.-China Economic Relations
• Recent Developments in U.S.-China Relations
• Central Asian Diplomacy
• Xi Jinping’s Central Asian Outreach