A top White House official, the national security adviser, has landed in China for discussions aimed at managing the strained relationship between the two countries during President Joe Biden's term in office. The official was welcomed by Chinese foreign ministry representatives and the U.S. ambassador to China upon arrival at a Beijing airport.
The visit is part of ongoing efforts to maintain communication and address the growing differences between Washington and Beijing. While no major announcements are anticipated, the meetings could set the stage for a potential summit between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping before the end of Biden's term.
Experts emphasize the importance of avoiding any crises in the remaining months of the Biden administration, as it could significantly impact future U.S.-China relations. The primary objective of the visit is to sustain the stable momentum of the relationship through strategic communication and prevent new challenges in the coming months.
The national security adviser is scheduled to engage in discussions with key Chinese officials, including the director of the Communist Party's Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, who also serves as the foreign minister. The Biden administration has maintained a firm stance on China, considering it a strategic competitor and implementing measures to counter its influence in various regions.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated following certain incidents, such as a high-profile U.S. lawmaker's visit to Taiwan and a military encounter involving a suspected Chinese spy balloon. However, recent meetings in third countries have initiated a process of reconciliation, with the current talks in Beijing marking a significant step in the diplomatic efforts.
China's Foreign Ministry acknowledges the critical nature of the current state of relations with the U.S., highlighting ongoing discussions on climate and other issues. Meanwhile, Canada has announced its decision to mirror the U.S.'s import tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, following discussions with the White House official.
